Solar Hybrid Energy Setup For Mining
In the past 10 years, there has been an increase in the use of renewable energy as a means to create a more sustainable society to live in for the years to come. Hence scientists and engineers have been trying to figure how out to use solar energy in a way that is financially feasible for large energy projects such as mines and or power stations. Discover a new take on solar hybrid energy.
How does Solar energy work?
The concept of how solar energy works is that it takes light (the heat rays) that strike PV (photovoltaic) panels on solar panels. The energy captured from the panels is then converted into electricity, which can be used immediately or stored in batteries.
Different types of solar systems:
- Grid-tied solar panel systems
- Grid-tied systems
- Off-grid solar systems
The problem with conventional solar energy systems and mines
Mines are large operations that require a lot of energy and cannot afford to have power outages or have a short supply of electricity. The nature of the work on the mines means it would lead to losing money, machines being destroyed, or even the death of employees. Historically speaking, the main problem with implementing renewable energy, particularly solar energy into energy projects is that you cannot rely on them 24 hours a day because the sun is not always available. This problem has led to the invention of hybrid solar systems.
What are hybrid solar systems?
Hybrid solar systems are systems that do not rely on solar alone. In hybrid systems, your solar panels are still connected to the grid’s power lines or generator and you have a backup battery system to store excess power. The energy absorbed by the solar panels from the sun is converted into usable electricity by an inverter. Electricity is then routed to your mine, your battery, or the grid.
What are the pros and cons of a Hybrid solar system?
Pros
- They are lower maintenance.
- They offer mines a more financial beneficial situation when it comes to using electricity electricity off peak times
- Offers reliable energy.
- Lower fuel costs over time as energy load is devided between solar and fossil fuels.
Cons
- Solar batteries need regular replacing and maintenance.
- High start-up costs.
USP&E Global has over 20 years of hybrid experience for mines world wide
At USP&E we offer a multitude of hybrid solutions such as but not limited to solar EPC, hybrid equipment, HFO generators, diesel generators, natural gas generators and operation and maintenance on solar and hybrid systems.
Click here for more information on our solar hybrid options.
