African Panels Buyers, Importers & Purchasing Managers

Buyer is interested to receive quotations for the following RFQ -

Product Name: Solar Panels

Specifications:
Type :
Batteries , Inverters
80 MEGA WATT
Quantity :2,000 to 3,000 solar panels,
Setting up a 80 MW (megawatt) off-grid solar system in UNHCR camps in East Africa.Below is a breakdown of the key components needed to design and implement an 80MW off-grid solar power system Using an example of 1Mw. You are free to add or adjust.
1. Solar Panels (Photovoltaic Modules)
• Capacity: To generate 1 MW, you would typically need around 2,000 to 3,000 solar panels, depending on the wattage of each panel.
o For example, if each panel has a capacity of 300 watts, you will need approximately 3,334 panels (1,000,000 watts / 300 watts per panel).
• Panel Type: The most common types are monocrystalline and polycrystalline, with monocrystalline being more efficient and often used in large-scale projects.
• Total Capacity: Panels must provide enough energy to meet the daily needs of the system, considering off-grid operation without relying on the grid.
2. Inverters
• DC to AC Inverters: These convert the DC power generated by the solar panels into AC power, which is what most appliances use.
• Inverter Size: For a 1 MW solar system, you will need inverters that can handle 1 MW of power. Typically, this means installing inverters that are slightly larger than the system’s nominal output capacity to handle peak loads.
• Number of Inverters: A 1 MW solar system may require multiple inverters (e.g., 2 x 500 kW or 4 x 250 kW inverters), depending on the configuration.
3. Battery Storage (Energy Storage System)
• Battery Type: Lithium-ion, lead-acid, or other advanced battery technologies can be used. Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used for large-scale solar off-grid systems due to their higher energy density and efficiency.
• Battery Size: To store the energy generated by the solar panels for use during night-time or cloudy days, a large battery bank is needed.
o For example, if the system needs to run 24/7 with a 5-hour backup requirement, you'd calculate the battery bank size based on your daily energy consumption.
o Example: For a 1 MW system that operates 24 hours a day, it would need to generate around 24 MWh daily. Depending on your backup requirements, this could mean needing a battery bank that stores anywhere from 5-10 MWh or more.
4. Charge Controllers
• Function: Charge controllers regulate the charging of batteries to ensure they don’t overcharge or undercharge, prolonging battery life.
• Type: MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) charge controllers are typically used in large solar systems to optimize the energy harvest from the solar panels.
• Sizing: The charge controller should match the system's capacity. For 1 MW systems, you will need a high-power charge controller, and multiple controllers may be necessary depending on the number of panels and battery bank configuration.
5. Mounting Structures
• Function: These are the physical structures that support the solar panels, ensuring they are securely mounted.
• Types: Fixed tilt or tracking mounts.
o Fixed Tilt: More common in regions with consistent sunlight.
o Tracking Mounts: Move the panels to follow the sun, increasing efficiency, but at a higher initial cost.
6. Cabling and Wiring
• DC Cabling: Connects the solar panels to the inverters and charge controllers.
• AC Cabling: Connects the inverters to the battery bank and loads.
• Sizing: Wiring should be appropriately sized to handle the current and minimize energy loss. In high-power systems, large cables and low-resistance wiring are important.
7. Disconnects and Protection Devices
• DC Disconnects: To safely disconnect the solar panels from the system during maintenance or emergencies.
• AC Disconnects: Disconnects the inverter and other AC components from the electrical load or grid.
• Fuses and Circuit Breakers: Protect the system from electrical faults and overloads.