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Renewable energy


Horizon energy aims to generate energy from natural resources namely sunlight, this energy is generated from natural processes and continuously replenished.


Solar:  

This form of energy relies on the nuclear fusion power from the core of the Sun. This energy can be collected and converted in a few different ways. The range is from solar water heating with solar collectors or attic cooling with solar attic fans for domestic use to the complex technologies of direct conversion of sunlight to electrical energy using mirrors and boilers or photovoltaic cells. Unfortunately these are currently insufficient to fully power our modern society.


Our offering includes On-grid or grid-tied, Off-grid and Hybrid systems tailored for both the residential and commercial sector.  Horizon Energy specialises in the design and installation of renewable energy systems.  We provide an alternative, sustainable power source for residential, commercial and government clients.  The growing appetite for sustainable energy, the implications of climate change, the increasing damages to our environment and the energy crisis in South Africa have created the appropriate conditions for renewable energy development. The Greenpeace Paradigm Shift Scenario shows that by the year 2030, PV could generate up to 2260 TWh of electricity around the world and up to 6750 TWh in 2050. This means that enough solar electricity would be produced to cover 21% of the world electricity needs by 2050.



Economic Benefits of Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy will become an economic driver and generator of employment for future generations as well. Currently demand is still low due to cost factors, but rising energy cost, improved technology and lower cost will see demand for renewable energy improving.

South Africa's potential for renewable energy

South Africa still has an abundance of fossil fuels in the form of coal, hence the many existing and newly developed coal powered power stations. At the same time South Africa has an abundance of sunshine which lends itself very well for solar water heating and electricity generation. With increasing prices of coal powered electricity solar powered heating and electricity is becoming more attractive. One major hurdle still is legislation. Currently domestic grid tied solar systems in South Africa are legally not allowed to feed back into the grid.


Environmental Impact Analysis

A solar system will generate significant environmental benefits. These come primarily from avoided power plant emissions. Energy independence and environmental compatibility are two attractive features of PV systems. The fuel (sunlight) is free, and no noise or pollution is created from operating PV systems. In general, PV systems that are well designed and properly installed require minimal maintenance and have long service lifetimes.

 PV panels provide clean, green energy and during electricity generation with PV panels there is no harmful greenhouse gas emissions thus making solar PV environmentally friendly. Obtaining electricity from a renewable source will help preserve the earth's resources. PV systems are renewable, clean and universal power sources. Solar energy helps prevent damage to the environment by producing no pollution.

The environmental advantages to producing alternative energy by renewable sources, specifically solar energy, are evident within SA. As energy demands increase in SA, the demands on the electricity plants also increase. The increase in energy consumption goes hand in hand with the increase in coal burning, adding more greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. With some of the energy demand being offset by an increase in solar energy production, these emissions will be reduced.


Benefits for PV Systems

The benefits of installing PV systems can be summarised as follows:

ENVIRONMENTAL

" Provides reliable, mature green renewable power

" No noise and air pollution

" Allows organisations to attain environmental policies FINANCIAL

" Low operating and maintenance costs

" Energy security

" Fixed energy costs

" Reduced asset depreciation terms


How does a PV System Work?

PV systems are like any other electrical power generating systems, just the equipment used is different than that used for conventional electromechanical generating systems. However, the principles of operation and interfacing with other electrical systems remain the same, and are guided by a well-established body of electrical codes and standards.

Although a PV array produces power when exposed to sunlight, a number of other components are required to properly conduct, control, convert, distribute, and store the energy produced by the array.

Depending on the functional and operational requirements of the system, the specific components required may include major components such as a DC-AC power inverter, battery bank, system and battery controller, auxiliary energy sources and sometimes the specified electrical load (appliances). In addition, an assortment of balance of system (BOS) hardware, including wiring, overcurrent, surge protection and disconnect devices, and other power processing equipment. The figure below shows a basic diagram of a photovoltaic system and the relationship of individual components.  Batteries are often used in PV systems for the purpose of storing energy produced by the PV array during the day, and to supply it to electrical loads as needed (during the night, periods of cloudy weather as well as during electricity disruptions).


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