Introduction to Solar Power

System
Problem Statement
Hwa Chong Institution (HCI) is always
supportive towards a cleaner and greener
environment.
Solar panels were installed more than 2 years
ago in HCI to harness the free and
environmental friendly energy.
Do you know where are these solar panels
installed?
HCI Clock Tower
Solar Power Panels Installed in HCI
Basics of Solar Power system
What is Photovoltaics
It is a method of creating a voltage in a
material in the presence of light by converting
light energy to electricity by using materials
that are able to store an electric voltage.
How Solar Panels Work
Where are the Solar Panels usually
installed?
On the rooftop of houses. The rooftop of the
houses usually experience the most amount of
sunlight. Thus, solar panels are usually
installed on the rooftop of the house to
capture the most amount of light possible
Method to achieve maximum
exposure to the Sun rays
We have to tilt the solar panel in order to
allow more sun rays to be captured.

How much can 1 unit of electricity do?
Currently, Solar energy is mainly harnessed to
light up light bulbs. 1 kW can allow a 100 watt
ordinary light blub to light up for 10 hours.
1 kW =
100 Watt light bulb
for 10 hours
Solar Power for other Appliances
Singapore Government grant to
promote use of Solar energy
30% of the nett price of the entire cost of the
installation price.
70% of the grant is given to the buyer and the
remaining 30% of the grant will be given to
the buyer after the solar panel had been
installed for 2 years
Return of Investment (ROI)
HCI solar panela can reap an estimated saving
of $7200 per year.
To install the 84 panels, roughly $100,000 was
spent.
The ROI is calculated to be 13.8 years!
Factor affecting Solar energy
Temperature (The higher the temperature, the
lower the amount of electricity produced, the
lower the temperature; the higher the amount
of electricity produced.)
Dirt and Dust
Shading
Examples of Solar panel in Singapore
The first floating solar power system in waters
of western Tengeh Resevior

Examples of Solar panel in Singapore
Solar Panels Installed on the Roof Top of HDB
Flats in Anchorvale.

Examples of Solar Panel Projects in
Singapore
Solar Park in the Marian Barrage
In the day, the solar panels convert light
energy to electricity to power the lightings at
the gallery and in the offices in the barrage.
Solar Park generates 76,000kWz annually.
Examples of Solar Panel Projects in
Singapore
HCI clock tower



Why should we change to Solar
power?
Advantages of using solar energy

The production of energy does not pollute the
environment since it only uses the Suns energy
which is free
Low maintenance is needed because solar panels
are very durable and are able to last 20-25 years
without major maintenance. Only dusting the
solar panels is required
Solar energy can also help households cut down
on electricity usage.
Reduce the usage of fossil fuels which will be
gone in a few years time
Links
http://www.pub.gov.sg/Marina/Pages/Environ
mental-Sustainability.aspx
http://www.energymatters.com.au/renewable
-energy/solar-power/reasons-solar-power.php

Disadvantages of using solar energy
The cost of purchasing and installing the solar
panels is very high.
Solar energy can be harnessed only in the
daytime when it is sunny.
In Singapore, unreliable climate causes the solar
energy to be a unreliable source of energy. Cloud
blocking the Sun will affect the effectiveness of
solar energy
The effectiveness of Solar panels will deteriorate
over time.
Conclusion
Solar panel technology is still in its infancy
stage. The current solar panel technology is
only able to generate a limited amount of
electricity which is insufficient to replace the
conventional electricity.
However, we should persevere to embark on
using solar energy so that we can contribute
towards a cleaner and greener environment.
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Short Quiz
Try the following short quiz to test your
knowledge on solar power system.