Table of Contents
Why Solar Micro-grid Systems in Pakistan?
For decades, Pakistan relied on large power grids to fulfill electricity needs same as; the rest of the world. However, many territories in Pakistan still suffer from a defective or non-existent power grid. That is amplified by the economic and demographic growth of the population that increases the demand which is expected to increase by 35.8% by 2050 (SOURCE: Population Council 2011; NIPS 2010; UN 2009 and 2011).
With the falling cost of decentralized technologies, the use of multiple local energy generation units, called micro-grids, is expanding in the world. More than 2258 projects have been tracked down worldwide. These micro-grids are mostly used in the industrial and commercial fields as well as power plants to feed cities and industrial facilities, as they offer a more competitive and reliable energy supply alternative than centralized power grids.
Last few years National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) took action and established micro-grid stations to reduce the energy crises which are remarkable steps to not only remove the energy crisis as well as low costs for consumers. Pakistan needs more micro-grids solutions for both rural areas' energy crises and industrial and commercial fields, Paksolar diversifying its business and adding value-added services like micro-grids
What is Micro-grid?
A micro-grid is a power distribution network that is based on local means of producing electricity. It is designed to function independently or in synchronization with the national grid, within a defined area. For isolated or remote areas to stable their financial activity and benefit from dependable power, it's far vital to make sure the production and distribution of electricity. It is likewise a possibility to make the most of easy-clean distributed and renewable power. Note: The term micro-grid is likewise frequently used to explain nano-grids and mini-grids. There isn't any precise definition however we will set them apart:
PICOGRID
The system that provides connected items with limited capacity is called Picogrid. Pico solar photo-voltaic appliances are increasingly being used in the African region. That systems Pico PV or Solar Pico System (SPS) are mainly produced for rural areas with power distribution issues where the energy demand is too low or the cost of a Solar Home System (SHS) is not affordable enough to rely on a nanogrid.
NANOGRIDS
Nanogrids are a single domain of electricity with a single physical layer of electricity distribution. Though nevertheless imparting electricity with constrained capacity, the size of the applications is extra critical than the ones of a picogrid. For instance, Nanogrid applies for Solar Home Systems (SHS) in which every domestic is powered via way of means of a self-reliant photo-voltaic system. The most common SHS is composed of a single photo-voltaic panel, a battery with a pay-as-you-go meter, and an electric plug presenting sufficient electricity to deliver a residence with primary energy needs.
MICROGRID
A system that consists of loads and distributed energy resources is called micro-grid systems, such as renewable energy resources, combined heat & power generations, fuel cells, and energy storage systems. Micro-grids can operate independently or in synchronization with the national grid, ensuring the supply of local and reliable energy at all times.
What are the key factors of Micro-grid Systems?
Renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro, biogas): Renewable energy prices have fallen during the last few years and are now cheaper than fuel without; any subsidies. Solar PV module prices have fallen by around 82% since the end of 2010, while wind turbine prices have fallen by 25–35%, increasing the deployment of such technologies. However, the main challenge is in intermittency for Solar and Wind. When the sun is down; or the wind is off, there is no production of electricity coming from renewables which is a threat to the electricity supply.
Energy storage solutions batteries generally Lithium or Lead Acid or Tall Tubular, a new innovative technologies cell-cubes, Sirus SuperCap (Capacitor) by (Kilowatt Labs, invented by Pakistani Entrepreneur, inventor, strategist and visionary Mr. Waseem Ashraf Qureshi) and one of the most advanced liquid metal battery by Ambri USA. Energy Storage is one of the biggest and most challenging domains of the energy sector. With the falling value of Energy Storage Systems (ESS), batteries are visible as an answer to the lack of reliability of green renewable energies as they can make up for their intermittency. However, storage like lithium, lead-acid, or cell-cubes super-capacitors are still expensive and can not compensate fully for the irregular power generation.
What's the best use of micro-grids?
Micro-grids are most adapted to territories with insufficient or deficient power supply, for affordable reliable, and local energy. The integration of local renewable energy production and energy storage enables industrial buildings in isolated regions to limit the multiple outcomes of a possible network outage. They are also a perfect choice for Pakistan's remote rural areas which is 62.84 % in 2020. To this day as many as 50 million people in Pakistan may still live without a connection to the electric grid.
Pakistan also has some of the world’s worst power outages. According to policy research working papers by World-Bank, the results show that lack of connectivity and poor reliability may be costing the country at least $4.5 billion (1.7 percent of the gross domestic product) a year. Addressing the problem requires energy sector reforms to correct regulatory and institutional distortions in the gas and electricity sectors.
With the Micro-grids systems, remote regions could be supported by hybrid systems, using solar panels systems or any other renewable energy source i.e. wind, hydel, biogas, storage batteries, and generators.
Why PAKSOLAR!
Paksolar is a group of engineers and consultants who build energy solutions for smart businesses. Moreover, we harness data to analyze, construct, monitor and maintain grid-connected solar systems across Pakistan.
DETAILED FEASIBILITY
Our experts use the maximum effective evaluation equipment in the industry, giving our clients insights they couldn’t get anywhere else.
SAFETY IS OUR PRIORITY
We are dedicated; to our Workplace Health & Safety policy, and the work environment & on every project's site. These are the practice at every level of the company.
DEDICATED TEAM
Through a dedicated Project Manager, each project; is overseen. Our clients have a clean line of communication throughout the entire process.
O&M INCLUDED
We provide technical support, monthly reporting, detailed monitoring of the installed solar power system, and panel cleaning. (The additional contract is required). Our team maintains a system once it's been; installed.
EXPERIENCED, SKILLED & QUALIFIED
Paksolar Renewable Energy's (PAKSOLAR) ability to deliver solar and storage solutions on a turnkey basis for residential, commercial, and utility-scale clients is unique in the industry.
FINANCE
Currently, don’t have the funds to make the initial investment in Solar Power? If but want to install a solar system for your home or business; we have finance options available from Pakistan-renowned Banks for you. Get in touch to learn more.
