Capture Sunlight for a night Lamp

It needs an initial investment; So What? Find a way to meet that too.

LIGHT TO ELECTRICITY
SYSTEM FOR DIRECT CONVERSION, STORAGE AND SUPPLY
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SPV Lighting Systems

SPV lighting systems are becoming popular in both the rural and urban areas of the country. In rural areas, SPV lighting systems are being used in the form of portable lanterns, home-lighting systems with one or more fixed lamps, and street-lighting systems. Applications in urban areas include glow-sign display systems on the streets, traffic signaling, message display systems based on light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and systems to illuminate advertisement hoardings. 3

In many rural parts of India there is either no

access to grid electricity or the supply is

unreliable with frequent power cuts. Alternatives such as candles, kerosene and oil lamps provide lighting, whilst small dry cells and automotive batteries provide power for radios,

televisions, but these are low quality,

cumbersome, expensive and often dangerous.
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Now Solar PV system serves this purpose.

In India a solar energy company has developed a wide range of solar-powered equipment, installations and after-care support for lighting, water pumping and purification, TV and radio. In 2005 the success of this business was recognised internationally when it won the

Ashden Award for Enterprise.

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A typical kit consists of a 35-watt panel, four 7W compact fluorescent lights and a lead-acid battery that can store sufficient energy for the system to work both

day and night throughout the year. The batteries are

designed to withstand significant discharge each day without rapid deterioration. (Cheaper car batteries

cannot withstand this, and would become unusable

within about six months.) An electronic charge controller protects the battery from charging or discharging too much, and enables the battery to be used for at least 6 five years.

Emphasis is placed on designing Solar Home/ Business System to meet consumers' needs and budgets whether it be for home or business. Depending on their requirements the system can be used for inexpensive lighting, water pumping,

water heating, communications, computing, and

entertainment. The installation of the system is carried out by the companys technicians.
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One innovative idea to make systems affordable is

to place a light in the corner of one room and

remove bricks into other rooms, so that a single light provides background illumination in three rooms. Another feature that allows flexibility at low cost is having lights that can be moved from one

place to another. These solar systems reduce

dependence on other forms of energy and are
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more reliable, affordable, and safer to use.

Support Services The solar system company understands that it

needs to provide not only reliable solar systems

to customers, but also to back this up with information, installation, training and finance

to develop a sustainable sales and service

infrastructure.

 Systems with fixed inclination - (fixed supporting

structure)
Systems with active tracking - single/double axis tracking systems (characterized by step by step

motors and control electronics)

Self contained systems or stand alone Network connected systems or grid connected

The photovoltaic system structures

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Operation
A PV module is usually mounted on the roof of the house

so that it is exposed to direct solar radiation throughout

the day, avoiding any shadow. The module converts incident radiation into electricity, which, in turn, charges

the battery, which is placed inside the house.

The battery provides power to the CFLs, and to the television and/or fan as required. A charge controller prevents overcharging and deep discharge of the battery. 13

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The technicians not only carry out servicing and maintenance, but are encouraged to supplement their income on a commission basis by promoting SPVS.

Servicing the area on motorcycles, they not only provide a

quick after-sale service but also act as collection agents for loan repayments. This close relationship with customers

allows their company to better understand, efficiently serve,

and develop long-term relationships with them. They are able to provide at-home design consultation, installation, and after-sales service on all products sold. 15