Solar PV

SONNENSTEIN CONSULTING design and advise on solar photovoltaic (PV) systems which generate electricity from sunlight. We will design any size of system, from small domestic systems up to the largest PV arrays (currently around 100-200 kWp).

A typical system consists of the solar modules, an inverter, switches and fuses, and a display unit.

Solar PV modules: These are usually installed on the roof of the building. They can be integrated (replacing the tiles) or non-integrated and installed on almost any type of roof (e.g. tiled or metal, sloping or flat).
Inverters and isolators: these are typically installed in the loft of a house (a house will have just one inverter = grey box) or in the switch room of a larger building. The solar PV modules are connected to the inverters which convert the DC electricity to AC. A cable then runs from here to the main distribution board / fusebox for the building.

AC isolator, energy meter and distribution board: the PV system is connected into the building’s electricity supply at the main distribution board. An AC isolator (switch) is provided at this point so that anyone working on the building’s electricity supply can isolate the PV system. An energy meter is also provided to show how much energy the PV system has generated.

Visual display: a large display unit can be installed anywhere in a building in order to show building users how much energy the PV system is generating.

Wind

SONNENSTEIN CONSULTING design and supervise small-scale wind energy systems which generate electricity from the wind. We use a range of different manufacturer’s turbines, and so can offer sizes from 1.5 kW to 15 kW. We can also supply and install larger turbines (up to 200 kW) for special projects – please contact us for further details of these.

A typical system consists of the wind turbine and mast, controller/inverter, switches and fuses, and a display unit.

Wind turbine: these are usually ground mounted, although they can be mounted on the flat roof of some buildings. Where the turbine is ground mounted, a concrete foundation and winch point are required.

Controller and inverter: this control equipment converts the electricity generated by the wind turbine into AC electricity suitable for connection to the electricity grid.

AC isolator, energy meter and distribution board: the wind system is connected into the building’s electricity supply at the main distribution board. An AC isolator (switch) is provided at this point so that anyone working on the building’s electricity supply can isolate the wind system. An energy meter is also provided to indicate how much energy the wind system has generated.

Visual display: an optional large display can be installed anywhere in a building in order to show building users how much energy the wind system is generating.