SolarPlus has specific tools for modelling offOff-grid or systems (aka SAPS systems, namely:
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Generator run time and fuel cost calculations
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Detailed load profile calculator
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AC-coupled and DC-coupled battery charge modelling
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Off-grid specific proposal template
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), namely
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Off-grid systems follow the same system design approach as grid-connect, with some minor changes. toc
Generator
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Run time and fuel cost calculations
On the Energy page, under Energy Costs, select ‘Off-grid’.
You will then be prompted to choose between:
Compare with 100% Generator. Choose this option if the client is currently running a generator to supply their loads.
Compare with Grid Connection. Choose this option if the client currently has no power and is comparing the cost of connecting to the grid against an off-grid solar and battery system.
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Off-grid Load Profile Builder
To set the consumption profile for an off-grid job, you have 3 options:
use a Typical Profile and modify if as required,
upload .csv meter data, or
specify the specific appliances and run times using the Off-grid load profile builder.
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From the Energy Page, click ‘Off-grid load profile builder' at the bottom right.
Give your profile a name
Optionally, set the Time Ranges to customise the chunks of the day you wish to organise your loads. Do not edit time periods after building your loads as this will reset the load table and clear data.
For each load, you can choose to include it in the yearly profile and/or include it in the calculation of surge rating demand. Check 'Only used with excess solar/genset' to omit this load from the yearly load profile.
Add each of your loads with quantities, power ratings and duty cycle. Then set the number of hours within each period this load is typically used. Note that load times are randomised within each time range. eg. 2 x 500kW loads that are on 3 hours out of a 9-hour time range, will be switched on and off in different hours for a more realistic load profile. (Load pattern is currently one day repeated across each season.
You can configure options for continuous load demand and surge load demand on the right side of the table.
Use the help in the heading to see the definition of each item.
When you have your loads entered and the calculated averages per season look reasonable, click 'Build Profile'.
You can now Save your data and this will populate your quote yearly consumption profile.
Return to the Energy Page.
Form for customer input
Use this spreadsheet for customers to fill in as required.
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Notes for V1 of Load Profile Builder:
SolarPlus does not currently check the load continuously and surge demand against the ratings of your selected inverter/charger. Please check this yourself for now.
Please disregard the graphs generated on the Energy Page in V4 - they cannot accurately reflect seasonal variations in load.
To include in the handover manual,
in your web browser menu, select File > Print
set Zoom to 30%, and orientation to landscape
save as PDF
upload PDF on Commissioning Page
Grid Configuration
On the System Designer page, on the right under Grid Configuration, select Off-grid. This will ensure that the correct handover manual template and SLD structure is used.
Go to Off-grid Load Profile Builder ➡️
DC-Coupled MPPT charge controllers
DC-coupled charge controllers are managed in SolarPlus in the same way as PV Inverters and can be selected under the Inverter section on the left-hand side.
Off-grid System Performance
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Modelling
The Design Review page is similar to grid-connect systems, with the addition of a generator supply in place of the grid.
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You can simplify the graph by de-selecting unwanted parameters, and just showing specific ones, such as Genset Supply and Battery Charge.
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Off-grid proposal template
When your design and quote are finalised, be sure to select the Off-grid proposal template to send to your customer. This can be customised to suit your specific needs.
Off-grid SLDs and System Handover Manuals
On the System Designer page, on the right under Grid Configuration, select Off-grid. This will ensure that the correct handover manual template and SLD structure is used.