In this article, Galaxy Electrical Contractors will summarize the advantages and disadvantages that solar power systems can bring.

1. Advantages of solar power systems under the view of the M&E contractors

With the principle of structure, and the operation of the solar power system, we can easily see the difference of the "solar power system" compared to other power source systems:

Solar power system directly connected to the grid.

1.1 Flexibility of solar power

- Diversity of energy supply model;

- Flexible when used through storage (by battery) or directly using the power generated by the solar power system. This flexibility will be compatible with each user (family, office, factory, industrial park, national grid …);

- Helping households to actively supply and generation electricity. If the solar power system is used as the main source of electricity, it is only necessary to install an extra battery to meet the maximum demand. Conversely, if the solar power system is used as a backup source, also through the battery, the electricity user has an alternative to grid electricity. If only for small voltage demand, occasional use, electricity which is generated from solar energy systems does not need to go through the battery but is connected directly to the load line.

Solar and wind power are considered as a clean and sustainable energy source for the earth's living environment.

1.2. Solar power is environmentally friendly

- Solar power is renewable, different from thermal power using fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas ...) which is irreversible fuel. According to NASA’s, solar energy can provide us power for about 6.5 billion years more.

- Solar power is available everywhere in the world, not only near the equator but also at high latitudes in the North and the South;

- Solar power is completely friendly to the environment, meets the necessary energy to help society develop but also helps prevent global warming due to emissions from thermal power, minimizing the risk of adverse impacts and impacts on habitat caused by hydroelectricity.

- Solar power: nuclear power, solar power has less capacity, and more safety compared to nuclear power.

The trend of using solar energy in the world as of 2017.

1.3. Solar power is suitable with the development trend

- Solar power can connect to the National Grid at any scale by selling electricity to EVN. With the installation of two-way meters, if the electricity generated from solar energy is not used up, the electricity meter will be the device to determine the value of electricity sold to EVN. The value of sold electricity is a contributing factor to help investors quickly payback, improve the efficiency of solar power system;

- The general trend of developed countries is to gradually eliminate hydropower, thermal power and nuclear power. Therefore, scientists are paying attention, focusing on researching and improving the working efficiency of solar power systems. The solar panels are getting more and more improved. An example of this is that the Sharp Corporation - Japan has just introduced an energy storage system for window glass. If this study is applied, many households will have an opportunity to use solar power. Instead of glaring glass windows at apartment buildings, it was replaced by solar panels. Dual effect, it does not only cover the house from rain and sunshine, but also helps residents save money on electricity. In addition to Sharp's research, scientists are also applying nanotechnology and quantum physics with the expectation of increasing the capacity (Wp) of the panels to 3 times that of today.

High quality cells are different from cheap ones in terms of its structure: Materials, waterproof glue, welding techniques, grade A, B, C or D solar cells, connectors, waterproof box ...

2. Disadvantages of a solar power system

In parallel with the advantages, solar power in Vietnam still has certain limitations:

- The initial investment cost for the system is too high compared to the average income of the Vietnamese people today;

- The durability of the system advertised by businesses are 20 years, 30 years, even longer, but who will take responsibility for this if something goes wrong?

- The calculation of the installation location, the installation direction greatly affects the generating efficiency of the solar power system. This makes it difficult for investors to decide whether or not to install solar power systems. Knowledge and financial resources of households can not be compared with organizations / businesses. Therefore, to verify the value of the investment in accordance with the contractor's commitment is difficult for businesses;

- The quality of equipment installed (solar power system) is always a big question mark for the investor, especially in the situation of counterfeit and pirated.

- The electrical power generated by the solar power system is still too small compared to other power sources (hydroelectric, thermal power). While the investment costs are not cheap and the demand for electricity is increasing, will solar power in the long term be a feasible solution for the Vietnamese economy?

- Government support for solar-powered households remains an issue. The press once reflected on the fact that the electricity unit has slowly deployed two-way meters for solar power users. This affects investor psychology, which is also a barrier for the cost problem of solar power users.

From the perspective of an M&E contractor, Galaxy M&E has and will work with customers to find new solutions to help the process of supplying and using electricity for production and business effectively. In order to avoid mistakes in calculating the orientation and location of solar panels, Galaxy M&E applies PV GIS software to support the calculation and improve the efficiency of solar power system investment. Apart from the mentioned software, at present, Galaxy M&E also cooperates with many other partners from developed countries. This cooperation helps Galaxy Mechatronics significantly increase the efficiency of construction and installation of electromechanical works in particular, helping customers improve the safety of electricity supply in enterprise in general.

Galaxy M&E