Education

HTTP_CONNECTION:Keep-Alive HTTP_ACCEPT:text/html,image/png,image/jpeg,image/pjpeg,image/x-xbitmap,image/svg+xml,image/gif;q=0.9,*/*;q=0.1 HTTP_ACCEPT_ENCODING:gzip, identity;q=0.9 HTTP_ACCEPT_LANGUAGE:en, * HTTP_HOST:api.dev.ecatonline.co.za HTTP_MAX_FORWARDS:10 HTTP_REFERER:http://www.magnet.co.za/solutions-solar/education.html HTTP_USER_AGENT:Mozilla/4.5 (compatible; HTTrack 3.0x; Windows 98) HTTP_X_FORWARDED_HOST:www.magnet.co.za HTTP_X_LOOKLIKE_URL:/solutions-solar/news.html HTTP_X_ORIGINAL_URL:/solutions-solar/education.html?page=1 HTTP_X_FORWARDED_FOR:169.0.58.185:54469 HTTP_X_ARR_SSL:3072|256|C=US, O=Let's Encrypt, CN=R3|CN=magnet.co.za HTTP_X_ARR_LOG_ID:ad840138-79fb-405c-b26d-72bf3161b31b

[ { "title": "LEARN | Sustainable Energy for Industry", "nid": "577", "body": "\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENavigating the World of Sustainability for a Better Future\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe breakout of novel coronavirus in March 2020 has impacted almost all sectors of our society, be it healthcare, educational, or industrial. Steadily, every country is awakening to the importance of a clean, healthy, and sustainable future. In this article, we will bring under purview why it is imperative for industries to switch to sustainable energy.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFirst, let us begin by understanding the meaning of sustainable energy, also known as renewable energy, and how it can contribute to creating a cleaner and eco-friendly future.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/news-letter.html\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022image\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u00223e289bcd-e25d-46a4-bb1a-48adb8fe1b80\u0022 height=\u0022331\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/shutterstock_553614883-1300x731.jpg\u0022 width=\u0022588\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat Is Sustainable or Renewable Energy?\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn simple words, any type of energy that carries the potential to meet demands without exhausting integral natural resources is referred to as sustainable energy. This type of energy causes negligible environmental damage and offers sustainability in the form of safe, long-lasting, self-replenishing, and healthy energy sources.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt is important to remember that the industrial sector is a major utilizer of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum, and natural gas, which leads to heavy emissions of greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide, making the industrial sector a key contributor to hazardous environmental threats like global warming.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHowever, in recent years, industry owners have been stepping up and shouldering their responsibility towards society and the environment.\u003C/strong\u003E Several industry owners are taking a keen interest in making themselves more knowledgeable about greener energy alternatives by deploying different sustainable energy sources based on their respective industries.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/solutions-solar/index.php\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022image 2\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u00220cd41e87-83dd-40e8-b333-397e8a37df3a\u0022 height=\u0022357\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/Energy-Bill-Renewables-768x560.jpg\u0022 width=\u0022490\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBenefits of Deploying Sustainable Energy in the Industrial Sector\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESustainable Energy Lowers the Carbon Footprint of Your Industry\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOne of the biggest advantages of employing sustainable energy in the industrial sector is that it significantly lowers the overall carbon footprint of industries.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETherefore, if conventional sources used in industries are replaced by renewable energy sources, the carbon footprint of the industry is automatically decreased by replacing or offsetting the requirements for fossil fuel emissions with net-zero energy sources like solar and wind. However, what is the consequence of decreasing the carbon footprint of your industry?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs mentioned above, renewable energy generates zero greenhouse gas emissions, which drastically contributes to improving the overall quality levels of the environment, unlike non-renewable energy sources that degrade the air quality levels and cause serious health risks as they pollute natural resources like soil, water, and air.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col\u003E\n\u003Cli value=\u00222\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUtilizing Sustainable Energy for Industries Enhances Brand Reputation\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe industrial sector is one of the most competitive domains of our society. Almost every product we use in our daily lives is produced and manufactured in some or the other industry. In a consumeristic society, where the buyer\u2019s demands are the utmost priority of business owners, switching to sustainable energy for your industry will help the environment and highlight your futuristic and thoughtful business goals, increasing the ranking of your goods and products.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col\u003E\n\u003Cli value=\u00223\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUsing Sustainable Energy for Your Industry Boosts the Economy\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIndustries and businesses play a huge role in boosting the economy of any country by bringing in a huge amount of revenues, maintaining the per capita income, and providing large-scale employments to people from several spheres of society. But how can the deployment of sustainable energy in industries lead to the stimulation of the economy?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENon-renewable energy industry usually utilizes mechanized processes to work on its own, with bare minimum human assistance. In contrast, a green energy industry requires many workers to function and operate in an optimum manner, creating more job opportunities and stimulating the entire economic system of a country.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col\u003E\n\u003Cli value=\u00224\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDeploying Sustainable Energy for Your Industry Results in Cost-efficiency\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEven though several industry owners are switching to sustainable energy for their respective industries, many industrial sites still function on non-renewable sources of energy like coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear energy. Since every industry requires a huge amount of energy in order to operate optimally and without any hindrance, industries usually opt for\u00A0energy procurement solutions\u00A0that help industry owners buy energy at a more reasonable and consistent price.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EStill, renewable energy sources cost a lot more than renewable energy sources like hydropower, geothermal, solar, wind, and more in the longer duration. Initially, investing in instruments like solar panels and windmills might seem a little expensive, but the cost of running and maintaining these sources is consistent and very low in comparison with fossil fuels.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETherefore, by deploying sustainable energy for their industry, owners can make higher profits and save a considerable amount of money which they can invest in other industrial activities to receive optimal results.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn conclusion, to pave the way for a healthier future, it is crucial for industry owners to make eco-friendly choices, as it sets a benchmark that can have a positive impact on society as a whole while also ensuring business excellence. Browse through our website to learn more about how we contribute to enhancing the sustainability levels of the industrial sector on a global level.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EResources:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E1.\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022https://youtu.be/M5JCNSuPeAI\u0022\u003EWATCH\u003C/a\u003E \u003C/strong\u003EIndustries of the Future\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2. \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/contactus.html\u0022\u003ECHAT\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0\u003C/strong\u003Eto us for a Schneider Electric solution for your facility\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E3.\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/news-letter.html\u0022\u003ESUBSCRIBE\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0\u003C/strong\u003Eto receive these informative articles straight to your inbox\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESource:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://blog.se.com/sustainability/2021/11/03/sustainable-energy-for-industry-navigating-the-world-of-sustainability-for-a-better-future/\u0022\u003Ehttps://blog.se.com/sustainability/2021/11/03/sustainable-energy-for-industry-navigating-the-world-of-sustainability-for-a-better-future/\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n", "created": "Nov 2021", "terms": "Solar, Education, Schneider" }, { "title": "LEARN | Understanding Solar Irradiance pt 2", "nid": "568", "body": "\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/news-letter.html\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Solar pic\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022b5a40355-f3f5-4fc7-a7a2-334bfcae51c4\u0022 height=\u0022252\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/sun_jpg_jpg-1.jpg\u0022 width=\u0022448\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EIn this NEW series, we introduce you to solar irradiance. In the \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/news.php?type=articles\u0026amp;name=LEARN--Understanding-Solar-Irradiance-pt-1\u0022\u003Efirst instalment\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E, we touched on what affects irradiance, how it is measured and the types of irradiance. In this article, the second and final instalment in the series, we give an overview of solar potential maps\u00A0and applications of solar irradiance.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003ESolar irradiance is a very important quantity that is studied extensively especially in the design of solar technologies. Understanding and measuring solar irradiance has important implications, such as the heating and cooling loads of buildings, the prediction of energy generation from solar power plants, and weather forecasting.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EApplications of Solar Irradiance Measurement\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E1. Solar power\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003ESunlight carries radiant energy in the wavelengths of visible light. Radiant energy may be developed for solar power generation.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003ESolar irradiation figures are used to plan the deployment of solar power systems. In many countries, the figures can be obtained from an insolation map or from insolation tables that reflect data over the prior 30\u201350 years. Different solar power technologies are able to use different components of the total irradiation. While solar photovoltaics panels are able to convert to electricity both direct irradiation and diffuse irradiation, concentrated solar power is only able to operate efficiently with direct irradiation, thus making these systems suitable only in locations with relatively low cloud cover.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EBecause solar collector\u2019s panels are almost always mounted at an angle towards the sun, insolation must be adjusted to prevent estimates that are inaccurately low for winter and inaccurately high for summer. This also means that the amount of sun falling on a solar panel at high latitude is not as low compared to one at the equator, as would appear from just considering insolation on a horizontal surface.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EPhotovoltaic panels are rated under standard conditions to determine the Wp (watt peak) rating, which can then be used with insolation to determine the expected output, adjusted by factors such as tilt, tracking and shading (which can be included to create the installed Wp rating). For example, insolation values range 800\u2013950 kWh/(kWp\u00B7y) in Norway to up to 2,900 kWh/(kWp\u00B7y) in Australia.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2. Buildings\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EIn construction, insolation is an important consideration when designing a building for a particular site.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EThe projection effect can be used to design buildings that are cool in summer and warm in winter, by providing vertical windows on the equator-facing side of the building (the south face in the northern hemisphere, or the north face in the southern hemisphere). This maximizes insolation in the winter months when the Sun is low in the sky and minimizes it in the summer when the Sun is high. (The Sun\u0027s north/south path through the sky spans 47\u00B0 through the year).\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E3. Civil engineering\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EIn civil engineering and hydrology, numerical models of snowmelt runoff use observations of insolation. This permits estimation of the rate at which water is released from a melting snowpack. Field measurement is accomplished using a pyranometer.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4. Climate research\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EIrradiance plays a part in climate modeling and weather forecasting. A non-zero average global net radiation at the top of the atmosphere is indicative of Earth\u0027s thermal disequilibrium as imposed by climate forcing.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E5. Space\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EInsolation is the primary variable affecting equilibrium temperature in spacecraft design and planetology.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003ESolar activity and irradiance measurement is a concern for space travel. For example, the American space agency, NASA, launched its Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) satellite with Solar Irradiance Monitors.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESolar Potential Maps\u00A0\u00A0\u00A0\u00A0 \u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EAssessment and mapping of solar potential at the global, regional and country levels have been the subject of significant academic and commercial interest. One of the earliest attempts to carry out comprehensive mapping of solar potential for individual countries was the Solar \u0026amp; Wind Resource Assessment (SWERA) project, funded by the\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Environment_Program\u0022 title=\u0022United Nations Environment Program\u0022\u003EUnited Nations Environment Program\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0and carried out by the US\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Renewable_Energy_Laboratory\u0022 title=\u0022National Renewable Energy Laboratory\u0022\u003ENational Renewable Energy Laboratory\u003C/a\u003E. Other examples include global mapping by the\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Aeronautics_and_Space_Administration\u0022 title=\u0022National Aeronautics and Space Administration\u0022\u003ENational Aeronautics and Space Administration\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0and other similar institutes, many of which are available on the Global Atlas for Renewable Energy provided by the\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Renewable_Energy_Agency\u0022 title=\u0022International Renewable Energy Agency\u0022\u003EInternational Renewable Energy Agency\u003C/a\u003E. A number of commercial firms now exist to provide solar resource data to solar power developers, including 3E, Clean Power Research, SoDa Solar Radiation Data, Solargis, Vaisala (previously 3Tier), and Vortex, and these firms have often provided solar potential maps for free. In January 2017 the\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Solar_Atlas\u0022 title=\u0022Global Solar Atlas\u0022\u003EGlobal Solar Atlas\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0was launched by the\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Bank\u0022 title=\u0022World Bank\u0022\u003EWorld Bank\u003C/a\u003E, using data provided by Solargis, to provide a single source for high-quality solar data, maps, and\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GIS\u0022 title=\u0022GIS\u0022\u003EGIS\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0layers covering all countries.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/news-letter.html\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Solar maps\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u002229534e62-603a-494f-a21b-21208da7167f\u0022 height=\u0022378\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/Solar%20maps.jpg\u0022 width=\u0022544\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003ESolar radiation maps are built using databases derived from satellite imagery, as for example using visible images from Meteosat Prime satellite. A method is applied to the images to determine solar radiation. One well validated satellite-to-irradiance model is the SUNY model.\u00A0The accuracy of this model is well evaluated. In general, solar irradiance maps are accurate, especially for Global Horizontal Irradiance.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeed a Solar or Back-Up Power solution? \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za?subject=Solar%20Enquiry\u0022\u003ECHAT\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/u\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E to us now!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESource: \u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_irradiance\u0022\u003Ehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_irradiance\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n", "created": "Nov 2021", "terms": "Solar, Education" }, { "title": "LEARN | Understanding Solar Irradiance pt 1", "nid": "563", "body": "\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/news-letter.html\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Sola irradiance\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022f2c4a1d2-eccb-4a6d-bba5-659f055be6e6\u0022 height=\u0022240\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/newsletter.jpg\u0022 width=\u0022551\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESolar irradiance is a very important quantity that is studied extensively especially in the design of solar technologies. Understanding and measuring solar irradiance has important implications, such as the heating and cooling loads of buildings, the prediction of energy generation from solar power plants, and weather forecasting.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn this NEW series, we introduce you to solar irradiance. In the first instalment, we touch on what affects irradiance, how it is measured and the types of irradiance. The second article in the series delves into solar potential mapping and applications of solar irradiance. \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/news-letter.html\u0022\u003ESUBSCRIBE\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E to get these informative articles straight to your inbox!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat is solar irradiance?\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESolar irradiance\u00A0is the\u00A0power\u00A0per unit area received from the\u00A0Sun\u00A0in the form of\u00A0electromagnetic radiation. This power or energy is a combination of the strength/intensity of the sunlight received, and the hours the sunlight falls at a particular place.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESolar panels are designed with a quoted solar irradiance of 1000W/m2. This is not an average, it\u0027s only a chosen value so that standard comparisons can be performed. There are only two types of solar irradiance which are diffuse and beam irradiance.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat affects solar irradiance?\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESolar irradiance is not uniform throughout. It differs from place to place and from time to time. The main factors that affect the amount of irradiance at a place are:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EOzone layer thickness\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EHaze (dust and vapour)\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EZenith angle\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EExtend of cloud cover\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDistance travelled through the atmosphere\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESeasons\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat are the Units of Solar Irradiation Measurement?\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe solar irradiance is measured in watt per square metre (W/m2) in SI units. Solar irradiance is often integrated over a given time period in order to report the radiant energy emitted into the surrounding environment (joule per square metre, J/m2) during that time period. This integrated solar irradiance is called solar irradiation, solar exposure, solar insolation, or insolation.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe solar energy industry uses watt-hour per square metre (Wh/m2) per unit time, to measure irradiance.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHow is Solar Irradiance measured?\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe solar irradiance at a place can be measured using a pyranometer or a pyrheliometer. These instruments differ in their principle of operation. They\u0027re normally mounted together with solar panels to monitor and assess the solar irradiance and the electricity generated.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat types of irradiance are measured?\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere are several measured types of solar irradiance:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E1. Total Solar Irradiance (TSI) \u003C/strong\u003Emeasures the overall wavelengths per unit area incident on the Earth\u2019s upper atmosphere.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2. Diffuse Horizontal Irradiance (DHI) \u003C/strong\u003Eis the radiation at the surface of the Earth, from light scattered by the atmosphere.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E3. Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) \u003C/strong\u003Eis a measure at the Earth\u2019s surface at a given location, with a surface element perpendicular to the Sun.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4. Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) \u003C/strong\u003Eis the total irradiance from the Sun on a horizontal surface on Earth. GHI = DHI \u002B DNI x cos(\u0290)\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E5. Global Tilted Irradiance (GTI) \u003C/strong\u003Eis the total radiation received on a surface with defined tilt and azimuth, fixed or sun-tracking.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E6. Global Normal Irradiance (GNI) \u003C/strong\u003Eis the total irradiance from the sun at the surface of Earth at a given location with a surface element perpendicular to the Sun.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELook out for the second instalment of the series which covers solar potential mapping and applications of solar irradiance. \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/news-letter.html\u0022\u003ESUBSCRIBE\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E to get these informative articles straight to your inbox!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENeed a Solar or Back-Up Power solution? \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za?subject=Solar Enquiry\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECHAT\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to us now!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESource: \u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003Ehttps://discover.hubpages.com/technology/All-about-solar-irradiance\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003Ehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_irradiance\u003C/p\u003E\n", "created": "Oct 2021", "terms": "Solar, Education" }, { "title": "LEARN | The Importance of Solar System Design pt 2", "nid": "551", "body": "\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EIn our NEW series, we unpack the importance of solar system design, and what it involves. In part one, we looked at Mechanical Design, outlining the key design attributes, and their relationships with performance modelling calculations.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EIn part two, we give you a basic understanding of the electrical portion of solar system design\u2026\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za?subject=Solar Enquiry\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Solar panels\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u00223d11d581-5f18-4aab-8193-4dfd16c3df35\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/inline_image_preview.jpg\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUnderstanding Electrical Design\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EThe electrical design of the array determines the electrical behaviour of the array: the powers and voltages that the system will be running at. This can have a major impact on the system\u0027s energy production.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E1. String Size and Voltage\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EThe number of modules in series (known as the \u201Cstring size\u201D) will determine the voltage of the strings. Voltages add in series \u2013 so the longer the string, the higher the string voltage. Any inverter has an input voltage range for the DC voltages that it can accept from the array. As long as the string voltages are within that inverter\u2019s operating voltage range, the inverter will operate normally.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EBeware of thinking just in terms of STC: the string voltage will drift up and down depending on the temperature of the modules. The module\u2019s temperature coefficient will indicate exactly how the values for Vmp and Voc will move based on the module temperature. Note that the value for the temperature coefficient is always negative: higher temperatures will reduce voltages, while lower temperatures will raise voltages.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EIf a design results in under-voltage or over-voltage at the inverter, this can result in production losses, sometimes significant. If the array is moderately outside of the inverter\u2019s voltage range (typically on the low end), then the inverter will peg at its minimum voltage, and will end up running the modules at a higher voltage than their MPP voltage. So this is technically mismatch loss, since the modules are not running at their peak power. If the string voltage is further outside of the inverter\u2019s operating range, then the string may collapse completely, and will not be able to deliver any power at all at the inverter\u2019s minimum voltage.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003ECodes often mandate a maximum system voltage, and so the string voltage must always be below this value, even on the coldest day. Values for max system voltage are typically 600V, 1000V, or potentially higher \u2013 but consult with your local inspector for guidance here.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2. Conductor and Combiner Design\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EEach string of modules must be connected to their corresponding inverter by a set of wires, and often a combiner box. As a result, each module string has a specific conductor path from the modules to the inverter connection. Based on the wire used, and the distance that must be covered by that wire, each string home run will have a specific resistance value.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EWire losses are based on the standard equation (I2R), and are modelled based on the specific resistance of each home run, and the hourly current of the module string. The conductors will also lead to voltage drop between the modules and the inverter: the modules will have to run at a slightly higher voltage than the inverter\u2019s draw voltage. In extreme cases, this can potentially cause under-voltage problems at the inverter, and/or parallel mismatch between strings.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E3. Inverter Load Ratio\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EA solar array\u2019s Inverter Load Ratio (ILR) is the ratio between the DC nameplate power (defined as the sum of the module DC power at STC) and the AC power (defined as the inverter maximum AC power production).\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EILR values are usually greater than 1.0 (meaning that the DC system power is greater than the AC power), often between 1.1-1.3, and sometimes higher. This is because modules rarely generate at their nameplate power level, mainly because the sun is rarely at full strength, and when it is, it is typically hotter than 25 degrees C. This is why the Normal Operating Conditions (NOCT) values are used. Additionally, there are resistive losses between the surface of the module and the inverter \u2013 specifically, wire losses, mismatch losses, and converter losses if there are any DC-DC electronics installed in the array. So in order to have the DC system and AC system appropriately matched, the design will call for the DC power to be 10-20% higher than the AC power.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EMore recently, higher Inverter Load Ratios have begun to increase in popularity, with some designed values approaching or surpassing 1.5. These designs will clip power at the peak of the day, but will result in more generation at the \u201Cshoulders\u201D of the day (late morning and late afternoon). These designs are generally driven by very inexpensive modules, systems with limits to their AC power rating, or time-of-use pricing regimes.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4. Inverter Choice\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EThe inverter choice also has a major impact on a system\u2019s performance. An inverter\u2019s efficiency losses (typically 2-5%) are one of the larger efficiency losses in the system. Additionally, the DC input voltage window for the inverter will determine the potential string sizes that can be designed. Finally, the size and location of the inverter will determine the distances between the modules/combiner boxes and the inverter \u2013 and will therefore determine the wire content and wiring losses.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cfigure role=\u0022group\u0022 class=\u0022caption caption-img align-center\u0022\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\u0022https://shop.magnetgroup.co.za/#!category/inverters\u0026amp;id=A9BC3011-099B-4175-98AF-A2E569BD4FBA#group=back-up-power\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Inverter available on Magnet Store\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u002249089fa4-9260-498e-b503-ae228d030498\u0022 height=\u0022176\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/Inverter.jpg\u0022 width=\u0022119\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\n\u003Cfigcaption\u003ESolar Inverter\u003C/figcaption\u003E\n\u003C/figure\u003E\n\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EResources:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E1. \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://shop.magnetgroup.co.za/#!items/inverters\u0026amp;id=F6ED6B2C-027F-4B40-81BF-7753FFE6467C\u0022\u003ESHOP\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E our range of inverters on the Magnet Store\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E2. \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za?subject=Solar%20Enquiry\u0022\u003ECHAT\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E to our experts for a solar design for your facility\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESource:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022http://www.folsomlabs.com/modeling#systemdesign\u0022\u003Ehttp://www.folsomlabs.com/modeling#systemdesign\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n", "created": "Oct 2021", "terms": "Solar, Education" }, { "title": "LEARN | The Importance of Solar System Design pt 1", "nid": "550", "body": "\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EDid you know that the efficiency (energy yield) of a \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.magnetgroup.co.za/solutions-solar/index.php\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Esolar system\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E is largely affected by the design of the system? The component choice will drive the behaviour of the module(s) and inverter(s). The orientation of the modules will drive the sun angles at each hour of the year, and therefore the total energy yield of the array. And the electrical design (module stringing, conductor sizes, etc.) will determine the system voltages, which impact wire losses and inverter efficiency.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EIn our NEW series, we unpack the importance of solar system design, and what it involves. In part one, we look at Mechanical Design, outlining the key design attributes, and their relationships with performance modelling calculations.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za?subject=Solar Enquiry\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022mechanical design\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u0022646911fb-142a-43d5-9af4-7558f7e91975\u0022 height=\u0022238\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/solar-energy-worker-newsletter.jpg\u0022 width=\u0022476\u0022 class=\u0022align-center\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUnderstanding Mechanical Design\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EThe mechanical design attributes are the most visible parts of a solar array. This section gives an overview of module choice (which modules are used, how many are installed), module orientation (how they are structured \u0026amp; oriented) and ends off with module spacing.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E1. Module Choice\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EThe specific module used on a project has a major impact on the overall design. The module form factor (size and weight) will determine the number of modules that can be designed on a system. The efficiency of the module (and therefore the module\u2019s rated power) determine the nameplate power for the system. And finally, the voltage and current rating of the module determines the electrical system designs, including how many modules can be wired in series, and how the strings must be fused. And of course, the cost of the module is a major driver in determining a project\u2019s financial returns.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EAdditionally, other factors, such as temperature coefficient, fill factor, low-light performance, and binning tolerance, can all have an impact on a system\u2019s energy performance. The relative importance of these factors will depend on the size and location of an array.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cfigure role=\u0022group\u0022 class=\u0022caption caption-img align-center\u0022\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za?subject=Solar Enquiry\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022fig 1\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u002238a85f80-763f-427f-a4a8-ab17e9ed161b\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/Fig%201_Solar%20Module%20Specifications.jpg\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\n\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cem\u003ESolar Module Specifications \u003C/em\u003E\u003C/figcaption\u003E\n\u003C/figure\u003E\n\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2. Module Orientation\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EA module\u2019s orientation in a fixed-tilt array is given by its tilt and azimuth angles. These two measures define the direction of the collector\u2019s face:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EAzimuth defines the direction on a compass that the module is oriented. A zero degree azimuth corresponds to due North, 90 degrees will face East, 180 degree azimuth corresponds to due South.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003ETilt defines the angle of incline of the module, with zero corresponding to completely flat, and 90 degrees corresponding to completely vertical.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cfigure role=\u0022group\u0022 class=\u0022caption caption-img align-center\u0022\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za?subject=Solar Enquiry\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022fig 2\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u00222ccda832-a0a4-41a1-bdaa-dabd55864f85\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/Fig%202_Module%20Tilt%20and%20Azimuth%20Angles.jpg\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\n\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cem\u003EModule Tilt and Azimuth Angles \u003C/em\u003E\u003C/figcaption\u003E\n\u003C/figure\u003E\n\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EThe most common orientation for a solar array would be an azimuth of toward the equator (180 degrees in the Northern Hemisphere) and a slight tilt (tilt of between 5-20 degrees). In some systems, such as tracked systems, these angles will change throughout the day based on the position of the sun.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E3. Row-to-row Spacing and Ground Coverage Ratio\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EIn commercial rooftop and ground-mount arrays, the spacing between the rows of modules is a critical design decision, as it has implications for the system size (since tighter spacing means that an array can fit more modules in a given space), and row-to-row shading (since closer racks of modules will shade each other more often).\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EA common design metric to evaluate the module spacing is the Ground Coverage Ratio (GCR), which is the ratio of the total module area, divided by the total ground area of the array. GCR values will be below 1.0, often between 0.3 and 0.7. There is an inverse relationship between row-to-row spacing and GCR: as the rows are spaced more closely together, the site ground coverage ratio will increase.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022text-align-justify\u0022\u003EAs GCR changes, there is generally a trade-off between a system\u2019s nameplate size and its energy yield. Lower GCR values will keep modules spaced far apart, which maximizes their individual production \u2013 however, this will result in a smaller-sized system. Higher GCR values will increase the system size, but will reduce the energy yield from higher cross-bank shading.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cfigure role=\u0022group\u0022 class=\u0022caption caption-img align-center\u0022\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za?subject=Solar Enquiry\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022fig 3\u0022 data-entity-type=\u0022file\u0022 data-entity-uuid=\u00228325a3b2-6699-4009-a6cb-435b83cbab42\u0022 height=\u0022253\u0022 src=\u0022/cms/drupal8-magnetgroup/sites/default/files/inline-images/Fig3_Array%20Row%20Spacing.jpg\u0022 width=\u0022779\u0022 /\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\n\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cem\u003EArray Row Spacing\u003C/em\u003E\u003C/figcaption\u003E\n\u003C/figure\u003E\n\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4. System Sizing\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe size of a solar array indicates how much power it can deliver at peak conditions. The power level is often referred to as the \u201Cnameplate power\u201D of the array. System sizes are typically given in two different values: the DC power (the number of modules multiplied by their STC power rating), and the AC power (the number of inverters multiplied by their maximum rated AC output power). The ratio between the DC power and AC power is called the \u201CInverter loading ratio\u201D (ILR).\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn the second instalment of the series, we will be discussing the importance of Electrical Design.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EConsidering a solar solution for your facility? \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:hello@magnetgroup.co.za?subject=Solar%20Enquiry\u0022\u003ECHAT\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E to our experts for assistance now!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESource:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022http://www.folsomlabs.com/modeling#systemdesign\u0022\u003Ehttp://www.folsomlabs.com/modeling#systemdesign\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n", "created": "Sep 2021", "terms": "Solar, Education" } ]