How much is the cost of on grid solar electricity?

By: EastGreenfields Blog

Summer is coming fast!

Air conditioners and electric fans will be at the forefront of defense against the heat associated with summer. And with this, bills bills bills.

One way to beat the heat and the bills is to install solar panels in the roof right? 

But is it a right investment? Yes it is  a very wise investment, for one reason it will last you a generation (20 years). Secondly, on grid solar are now cheap compared to 3-4 years ago when  on-grid solar was fisrt introduce in the Philippine market. And third solar produce electricity above your roof cost less than Meralco power rate. See chart below.

Meralco vs On-grid solar cost

String type on-grid solar has the most bang for the buck in terms of bills savings against cost of investment. Bills savings of a 1820 watts package may range from 43% to 52% or a monthly average of 47% of monthly electricity bill (average Meralco bill of P3,360 or 350 kWh per month), refer to below monthly savings table.

Monthly bill savings table

A modest size system (1820 watts), can contribute as much as 32% (monthly average) of the electricity needs of a typical household that consumes 350 kWh of energy per month.

Monthly on grid solar contribution

No doubt the cost of electricity produce above your roof is much much cheaper than Meralco. 

Ah yes, it will also make you feel good that you have have decrease your dependency from dirty electricity produced from fossil fuels (mainly coal.)

(Disclaimer, calculation is based on ideal conditions, see illustration)

Ideal solar panel roof installation, location (Metro Manila)

For solar energy solutions and supplies in the Philippines visit our website: www.eastgreenfields.com or email us at inquiry@eastgreenfields.com

Electricity bills to rise in March

By: Ronnel W. Domingo - @inquirerdotnet Philippine Daily Inquirer
February 10, 2018

Manila Electric Co. yesterday said it would implement an increase of 75 centavos out of the P1.08-per-kilowatt-hour (kWh) increase announced earlier for the February billing period.

Meralco said in a statement the remaining 33 centavos would be carried in the following billing period in March, along with whatever rate adjustment there would be for that month.

“The full increase was not implemented to cushion the impact of higher electricity rates on consumers, cognizant of the fact that there were recent price increases on fuel and other basic commodities,” the company said.

For this month’s rate increase, to be reflected in customers’ March bills, residential consumers that use up 200 kWh would see an additional P150 compared to the previous monthly bill.

Meralco’s overall rate went down to P9.47 a kWh this month from P8.72 in January.

The latest rate adjustment was mainly due to an 84.69-centavo-per-kWh increase in the overall generation charge.

The distribution giant said that of such amount, it would reflect 57.80 per kWh this February, with the generation charge going up to P4.6548 per kWh from P4.0768 in January.


“The difference shall be implemented in the March bill,” the company said.

“After the reduction in PSA (power supply agreement) charges reflected in January due to the early completion of annual capacity fee payments for the previous year, capacity fees returned to levels prescribed in the PSAs,” it added.

According to Meralco, suppliers with which the distribution giant has long-term PSAs—particularly suppliers that run the Pagbilao and Ilijan power plants—effected a P1.7607-per-kWh increase in rates, which have “return[ed] to normal levels.”

(For solar enegry solutions and supplies in the Philippines visit our website: www.eastgreenfields.com or email us at inquiry@eastgreenfields.com)

Solar in 2018: Better Technology, Record-Breaking Installations

February 7, 2018
By Junko Movellan, Correspondent
Renewable Energy World 

Top industry experts say that in 2018, high efficiency Mono c-Si modules and high-voltage inverters will take more market share, and distributed generation will start to pick up.

15 MW Solar system in the U.K. Credit: Sungrow

Solar PV is becoming cheaper than ever. Almost every month, a new industry “low” is set and broken. In September 2017, the U.S. Department of Energy announced that the U.S. solar industry had achieved the 2020 utility-scale solar cost target of US $0.06/kWh, three years ahead of schedule and is moving toward the 2030 goal of $0.03/kWh. The following month, a solar tender for a 300 MW PV plant in Saudi Arabia was bid at the low price of US $0.179/kWh. This record was soon broken in Mexico with solar at $0.177/kWh November.

Solar has become one of the least expensive options for new power generation and is lower than the cost of most fossil fuel-powered generators, enabling solar installed capacity to expand faster than any other fuel. Most analysts predict that the 2017 global solar installed capacity will be around the 100 GW mark and 2018 is expected to see continued growth.

Renewable Energy World asked some of the world’s top industry experts to share their perspectives on technologies and markets for the year 2018.

SOLAR MODULE TECHNOLOGIES: MONO C-SI

Multicrystalline-silicon (Multi c-Si) PV modules have dominated the global PV market over monocrystalline-silicon (Mono c-Si) due to the cost advantage, however, high efficiency Mono c-Si modules have started closing the cost gap.

According to Paula Mints, SPV Market Research, in 2016 Multi c-Si had the largest share at 54 percent of global module shipments. However, in 2017 Mono c-Si is expected to have a 49 percent share, bypassing Multi c-Si.

Mints said that in 2016 manufacturers began adding passivated emitter rear contact (PERC) mono (P-type) capacity because it offers more margin control through slightly better manufacturing costs and an ability to slightly increase prices. New additions of mono PERC capacity began coming online in 2017.

“The trend is mono’s taking more market share and it will continue in 2018. PERC has become a mature technology and will be put more in mass production,” stated a spokesperson for JinkoSolar, a vertically integrated solar manufacturer.

LG Solar, another solar company, echoed the trend of Mono c-Si, but with N-type.

“LG has invested heavily on N-type Mono-Si technology and will continue to do so because it brings the most value to customers in terms of cost versus efficiency,” said David Chang, Director of U.S. Sales for LG Electronics’ Solar Business.

PV Global Shipment Share by Technology. Credit: SPV Market Research

In terms of technological innovations in modules, LG is looking at bifacial modules and AC modules, by utilizing N-type Mono-Si as the fundamental technology. JinkoSolar also considers N-type and bifacial to be hot technology in 2018. Bifacial modules can utilize light from both sides and therefore significantly increase the electricity yield of PV systems.

Besides LG and JinkoSolar, a growing number of PV manufacturers have engaged in development of high efficiency bifacial modules. According to SPV Market Research, shipments of bifacial modules are expected to be less than 1 percent of global solar shipments in 2017 but will increase with utility-scale deployment.

INVERTER: 1500-VOLT AND BIGGER STRING INVERTERS

As PV projects continue to trend toward larger systems, three-phase string and higher voltage inverters have started gaining a market share in large C&I and utility-scale markets.

“A major trend of the inverter technology is the shift to 1500-volt DC systems, instead of 1000-volt DC systems in utility projects. Sungrow has developed both string and central inverters rated at 1500-volt DC,” said William Zhou, VP of Sungrow.

Another trend is that string inverters are getting bigger and bigger in capacity, and low capacity central inverters are being replaced gradually, even in utility-scale applications.

“It is true that three-phase string inverters are gaining more and more attention in recent years, especially for C&I applications. For large-scale installation, central inverters are still the first choice. It’s hard to decide which type of inverters are gaining more market share as more varied PV applications are being developed and inverter selection should take the actual conditions into consideration,” he said.

In fact, last year Sungrow released a virtual central inverter concept, which combines the benefit of the command and control of central inverters with the lower O&M of string inverters for utility-scale markets.

The company currently offers the world’s most powerful 1500-volt string inverter rated at 125 kW, which can support up to a 12-MW power block design while maintaining 99 percent maximized efficiency. The size for string inverters is expected to be even bigger in the near future, according to the company.

Central inverters are also increasing in size. The company offers 1,500-volt central inverters with a total capacity of 2.5 MW and 3 MW and is developing a 3.125 MW central inverter, which will support up to a 12.5 MW block design.

DISTRIBUTED GENERATION MARKET: GROWTH EXPECTED

Although utility-scale solar has been the biggest market segment, distributed generation (DG) is expected to start picking up.

“DG market is growing fast globally, especially in China and the U.S. We have provided string inverters with varied power ranges for those markets,” said Zhou of Sungrow.

“There is strong evidence of a shift from large-scale solar to DG — maybe not in absolute volume but definitely in growth percentage. This can be attributed to a variety of issues associated with utility-scale solar from transmission cost to curtailment to availability of land. This shift is evident in countries such as EU, Japan, China, and the U.S.,” said Chang of LG. “Both bifacial and AC modules should enable DG to grow more.”

JinkoSolar agrees that DG in China is growing. The company also expects that China, the U.S., and Europe will be the biggest solar off-grid markets in the future.

CHINA CONTINUES LEADERSHIP
According to SPV Market Research, PV development in China grew by 53 percent in 2017 to 52 GW, accounting for more than 50 percent of the global solar capacity. Will China remain dominant in 2018?

Sungrow expects that traditional PV markets like the U.S., Europe, and China will continue to grow and that India and emerging markets such as Brazil and South Korea will also boom because of those countries’ growing power demands and commitment to a shift toward clean energy.

“We expect growth in 2018 in Canada, U.S., EU, Japan and South Korea. We remain very bullish on the U.S. market as they see a shift to DG, where high efficiency N-type Mono-Si modules can flourish,” Chang said.

JinkoSolar is anticipating India to continue to expand, driven by the country’s 2020 target, high demand for power and relatively high-power price of fossil fuel. The company also lists Australia, Spain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE as growing countries and Egypt as a new market.

JinkosSolar thinks that 2018 will be flat or see 10 percent growth, but this is highly dependent on the policies in China and somewhat hinging on the U.S. trade case decision.

Solar Panels Do Work On Cloudy Days

February 8th, 2018 by Jake Richardson 

Myth: solar panels don’t work when it’s cloudy.

Short answer: Solar panels do produce electricity in cloudy weather. They don’t produce as much electricity as they do on sunny days, but they have been shown to produce 25% of what they produce on a sunny day, or 10% when it’s very cloudy.

Some critics of solar power say that solar panels don’t produce electricity on cloudy days. This claim is false. Solar panels can still can produce 10–25% of their typical output on a cloudy day. Obviously, this amount is much less than during periods of direct sunlight, but it is not nothing.

We may assume that solar panels thrive in hot, sunny weather, but too much heat can actually reduce solar panel output 10–25%. So, very hot weather isn’t the best condition for them. “The problem is, most solar panels’ power outputs start to degrade if the temperature of the panel goes over about 25°C. This is why, if you look at the specification label on a solar panel, most manufacturers quote the solar power output at a panel temperature of 25degC.”

This is why a solar power system might be more effective in San Francisco than in much hotter Las Vegas, even though Vegas has more sunny days. San Francisco is well known for its foggy days with cool weather, so it might be easy to assume that solar power wouldn’t do well there. However, rooftop solar power systems in San Francisco do function well. The amount of direct sunlight is reduced by fog and clouds, but solar panels function better at cooler temperatures, so the electricity output in San Francisco is still significant. Using a home solar power system there can save approximately $1,500 per year on utility bills, according to an analysis conducted by SolarCity.

You can also save $1,500 with solar power in Boston. Even though this city has such cold winters and cool temperatures in fall, solar power works well there and can considerably cut electricity bills. 

One of the American cities with the most cloudy days is Seattle, but solar power is continuing to grow there as well. “Seattle is quickly becoming one of the best cities for solar in America thanks to Washington’s great payback incentive and net-metering policy as well as the city of Seattle’s growing market competition.” 

Another one of the cloudiest cities, Portland, is also a leader among American cities in solar power — the 17th best US city in terms of solar capacity.

If you live in an area with cloudy, cool weather, you can still purchase and benefit from a solar power system, and don’t let any naysayers tell you otherwise. Sunshine is just part of the story. One major factor to consider if you are looking into buying a solar power system is the cost of electricity from your utility. If it is high or very high, of course, you may be motivated to find an alternative source of electricity, even if your region has cloudy days.

There are also two trends working in favor of solar power in cloudy places: One is that solar panels have gradually become more efficient, especially in cloudy locations. The other is that solar prices have decreased steadily, so it is more affordable to get a larger system for places with less direct sunlight.

(For solar energy solutions and supplies in the Philippines visit our website: www.eastgreenfields.com or email us at inquiry@eastgreenfields.com)

DOE: 2018 AN OPPORTUNITY TO ACHIEVE RELIABLE, STABLE ENERGY FOR PH “[THE] PHILIPPINES HAS MATURED INTO A MARKET-DRIVEN INDUSTRY.”

That’s how energy industry players, both local and abroad, described the current state of the Philippine energy sector at the 6th Power Southeast Asian Exhibition and Conference (PSEA) last week.

“2018 provides an opportunity for the energy sector to continue their push in pursuing and achieving our mandate of providing reliable, stable, and sustainable energy for the Filipinos,” Department of Energy, Energy Policy and Planning Bureau officer-in-charge Patrick Aquino said in his keynote speech.

Different companies have discussed opportunities and development in the Philippine energy market, particularly in the renewable energy belt, especially now that the Build Build Build infrastructure program of the Duterte administration has commenced.

Aquino said that the Philippines needs an additional 44,765 megawatts (MW) of power from 2017 to 2040.

“The Philippine energy sector provides continuing opportunities for investment,” Aquino said, adding that the strategic direction is “first and foremost energy security.”

Energy players present in the two-day conference also expressed their concerns over the recent leadership vacuum of the Energy Regulatory Commission.

Among companies present include the Aboitiz Power Corporation, Energy Development Corporation, AC Energy, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, Energy Regulatory Commission

The 6th PSEA with the theme “Connecting the people, lighting up the future” was held at The Bellevue Manila Hotel in Alabang on January 25 and 2016, 2018.

(For solar enegry solutions and supplies visit our website: www.eastgreenfields.com or email us at inquiry@eastgreenfields.com)

Reference:

Roque, V. (February 1, 2018). DOE: 2018 an opportunity to achieve reliable, stable energy for PH. Power Philippines. 

DOE KEEPS TRACK OF POWER PLANT SHUTDOWNS FOR SUMMER

To avoid straining power supply during the critical summer months, the Department of Energy (DOE) is also monitoring the shutdowns of power plants relative to their regular maintenance schedules.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi indicated that they are steering clear of a situation wherein more power plants will be taken off the power system, especially if the generating facilities without certificates of compliance (COCs) would not all offer their capacities via the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market.

“We are plotting the schedule of power plants that will be on regular maintenance shutdown because they will have impact on supply also,” the energy chief said.

Even with oversupply in capacity, if plant shutdowns are not properly managed and coordinated, such could still drive the power system into breaking point – and will in turn trigger unwanted electricity service interruptions.

Cusi qualified that “the ERC is working, but there are things needing its action as a collegial body,” including the required permits-to-operate or COCs of power generating facilities.

Like all stakeholders in the power industry, Cusi is also hopeful that the distressing leadership black hole at the ERC will finally be resolved.

Last week, the Philippine Independent Power Producers Association, Inc. (PIPPA) had already elevated its plea to President Rodrigo Duterte on the immediate need to restore normalcy at the ERC.

The organization of power generators in the country had stated that “the energy industry needs a fully functional Commission in order to effectively implement their mandate in accordance with EPIRA (Electric Power Industry Reform Act).”

PIPPA added “without a working Commission and putting a pause on the important work of the ERC, we will find ourselves without the needed approvals for PSAs (power supply agreements), connection agreements, price determination regulation, compliance certificates and licenses.”

As of last week, it was gathered from sources in Malacanang that Davao-based lawyer Alexis Lumbatan is seriously being considered for acting Commissioner appointment at the ERC,

Lumbatan is not entirely new in public view, because he was touted as “the funny guy” in President Rodrigo Duterte’s inauguration in 2016 – which circulated then in social media posts. Lumbatan also worked previously as chief of staff to Presidential son Paolo Duterte in Davao City.

Once his appointment is firmed up in the Palace, his papers would have to be transmitted to the Office of ERC Chairperson Agnes Devanadera, so he can take over in his temporary post at the regulatory body.

(For solar enegry solutions and supplies visit our website: www.eastgreenfields.com or email us at inquiry@eastgreenfields.com)

Reference:

Velasco, M. M. (February 4, 2018). DOE keeps track of power plant shutdowns for summer. Manila Bulletin.

PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS COME IN MANY SIZES AND SHAPES

Photovoltaic cells come in many sizes and shapes—from smaller than a postage stamp to several inches across. Each cell is capable of producing one to two watts of power. Although this is not enough to power most appliances, cells can be linked together in modules. Modules store photovoltaic cells in a weatherproof container and may be up to several feet long and a few feet wide. 

Depending on how much energy is needed, the modules can also be linked together to provide higher voltages. Photovoltaic power plants use a few thousand modules to generate electricity for household or business uses. Because photovoltaic systems come in small and large sizes and shapes, they are able to meet almost any electric power need, whether in a small house or in a large community of homes. 

The modules, in turn, can be combined and connected to form photovoltaic arrays of diff erent sizes and power output. These kinds of arrays can be seen on the Nellis Air Force Base and on large solar farms.  

Power of a Solar Array 

Electrical power is measured in watts. A watt is a measurement of total electrical power: Volts x Amps = Watts. For electrical power, one watt is equal to one ampere of current per second. 

The power output of a single solar cell or an array of solar cells can be measured in watts, watt-hours, kilowatt-hours, kilowatt-hours per day, or even megawatts. A megawatt will produce electricity for 400–900 homes per year. Utility power plants usually measure their output in megawatts. Th e megawatt is equal to one million watts. 

 SOLAR STORAGE 

The biggest problem of solar power technologies is how to store the power generated for those times when sunlight is unavailable. Currently, most solar power plants do not have the capability to store excess energy from sunny days to be used on cloudy days. One option is to use a storage battery bank that will collect and store power anytime the system is producing more energy than is needed.  

Photovoltaic to Battery Storage 

A storage battery is an excellent system for supplying electricity when and where it is needed on non-sunny days when solar power is not available. Photovoltaic systems with a backup battery storage unit are used to provide electricity for power tools, lights, home appliances, telephones, and televisions. Photovoltaic/battery systems work well in remote areas where utility power is unavailable or at a distance that is so far away that it would be too costly to install utility transmission lines to a building. 


Although batteries make photovoltaic systems more useful, they also require some maintenance. The batteries used in photovoltaic systems are referred to as deep-cycling batteries, the kinds that are used on many golf carts. Th e batteries are bigger than the typical car battery. These kinds of batteries allow more stored energy for use each day. 

Batteries designed for photovoltaic projects need to be handled with care. Th e fl uid needs to be checked in unsealed batteries periodically. 


John F. Mongillo
A Student Guide to Energy 
Copyright 2011
Greenwood Publishing Group
Volume 2 Solar Energy and Hydrogen Fuel Cells