Coupling a Photovoltaic System with a Solar Genset System

Zimbabwe

Reduction of diesel costs through the use of photovoltaic energy

Zimbabwe’s power supply is extremely unstable. Regular grid failures lasting up to 18 hours a day require companies to use alternative forms of energy. To date, diesel generators have been a preferred backup solution. Since bottlenecks are repeatedly encountered in the procurement of fuel, more and more entrepreneurs are opting to integrate photovoltaic systems into the generator system. This enables them to achieve a stable power supply and also save on the expensive diesel costs: A win-win situation for companies and the environment.

The national grid operator (ZESA) recently started allowing net metering. By feeding in excess energy from the PV-Genset, the system now pays for itself even faster.

Diesel savings of 100 litres every day result in rapid payback on the solar diesel hybrid system

To counteract regular power outages, the owners of a tobacco farm in Zimbabwe have been using a diesel generator for several years.

Mass Kirk, owner of the tobacco company says: „In addition to the high fuel costs, the frequent diesel shortages were one of the reasons why we upgraded our diesel generator with the addition of a PV system. Since solar power is much cheaper and can also be planned over the long term, we will shortly be expanding our PV system to 80 kWp.“

The company thus saves an average of 100 litres of diesel per day.

PV-Genset system pays off within a few years

Muhammed Seedat, Technical Consultant at Fronius, explains: „During the day, the owners of the tobacco factory are able to cover a large proportion of their energy requirements with solar power, both in the high and the low season. If less tobacco is produced, the farm feeds more energy into the grid. The owner thereby has an additional source of income and becomes a „power farmer“. He uses less diesel and saves thousands of euros annually. Thanks to these savings, the system will have paid for itself within a few years.“

The Fronius PV-Genset solution ensures that as much solar energy as possible is used for loads and that the diesel generator always works at its best.

Stable power supply with a PV-Genset system

With a PV-Genset system, companies can protect their energy supply. This can be business-critical if the local grid does not guarantee a stable power supply.

The combination of diesel generator and PV system ensures a continuous energy supply without interruptions.

Learn more about solar diesel hybrid systems.

A photovoltaic system reduces CO₂ emissions

By investing in the PV system, the owners of the tobacco factory are reducing their ecological footprint. An increasing number of countries are demanding that environmentally sustainable measures are introduced by companies operating within their borders. The PV system is the optimal basis for this, which also saves on costs that would otherwise be spent on fossil fuels.

The importance of high-quality components in solar diesel hybrid systems

For more than 75 years, Fronius has been developing products and solutions for converting energy and is setting the benchmark with its own R&D and manufacturing plants in Austria. However, should repairs or maintenance be required, the components of Fronius devices can be replaced on site. At the same time, Fronius draws on the skills of local solar experts who have completed extensive product training. This reduces downtime to a minimum and reduces long-term costs.

About the system:
Type of system:		Fronius PV-Genset Easy
System size:		Currently 45 kWp PV system Can be expanded with additional 35 kWp 150 kVA Genset
Components used:		3 x Symo 15.0-3-M in combination with a Fronius PV System Controller
Annual yield:		Approx. 80,000 kWh
Savings:		100 l daily diesel savings