Integrated Solar, Storage, and Charging Case
Location: South Africa  
Project Date: 2024  
Application: PV-BESS-EV  
Project Background
As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular, the demand for convenient and sustainable charging solutions has surged. Traditional charging stations rely heavily on grid power, which can be costly and environmentally unfriendly. Integrating solar power and energy storage with EV charging infrastructure presents a sustainable solution. This project aims to develop a comprehensive energy system that combines solar power generation, energy storage, and EV charging, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of energy use within a company campus. By leveraging renewable energy, this project supports the transition to green energy and promotes the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
Design Plan
Project Overview:
- Location: Company campus parking lot
- Project Type: Integrated solar, storage, and charging microgrid
- Project Scale: 200 kW solar system, including energy storage unit and electric vehicle charging stations
System Architecture:
- Solar Panels: Installed on parking lot canopies, utilizing solar energy for power generation
- Energy Storage System: Lithium-ion battery pack for storing excess energy
- Charging Stations: Provide electric vehicle charging services
- EMS System: Monitors and manages the operation of solar power generation, energy storage, and charging stations
- Grid-Tied Inverter: Converts solar DC power to AC power for use by charging stations and other electrical equipment or for grid connection
Design Details:
- Solar Panel Layout: Reasonably arranged on the parking lot canopies to maximize solar energy utilization
- Energy Storage System Configuration: Select battery capacity based on campus electricity demand and charging station usage frequency
- Charging Station Configuration: Set up a reasonable number and location of charging stations based on parking lot size and electric vehicle ownership
- EMS System: Achieve intelligent management of power generation, storage, and charging
Project Advantages
Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection:
- Utilize solar power to reduce carbon emissions. Installing solar panels on parking lot canopies can reduce the heat island effect caused by parked vehicles.
- Energy storage system improves renewable energy utilization efficiency. Store excess solar power generated during the day for use at night or on cloudy days, fully utilizing renewable energy.
Economic Benefits:
- Self-generated and self-used, reducing electricity costs. The solar system generates power for use by the charging stations, reducing grid electricity purchases and lowering electricity bills.
- Provide electric vehicle charging services for additional revenue. Charging stations not only serve company employees but can also be open to the public, generating charging fees and increasing economic income.
- Obtain government subsidies. Solar and charging station projects typically receive government subsidies, reducing initial project investment costs and improving return on investment.
Energy Independence:
- Energy storage system provides backup power, enhancing energy independence. In case of grid failures or peak electricity demand periods, the energy storage system can serve as a backup power source, ensuring stable electricity supply for charging stations and the campus.
- Improve company image. Promote the application of green energy, demonstrating the company's social responsibility and leadership in sustainable development and environmental protection, enhancing brand image and market competitiveness.
Enhanced User Experience:
- Provide convenient charging services to attract more electric vehicle users. The setup of charging stations facilitates use by employees and visitors, improving the campus service level.
- Intelligent management improves system operation efficiency. The EMS system's intelligent dispatch and monitoring ensure efficient coordination of solar power generation, energy storage, and charging stations, improving overall system operational efficiency.