PLTS installation is often offered through the installation of solar panels placed on the roof of the house. This method is not true, because there are people who do that. However, you need to know that installing PLTS on the roof is not the only way.
There are other mechanisms for installing PLTS that do not rely on the height of the roof, namely utilizing the area of land that is still empty. Rather than just being unproductive land, it would be better if it could be used as a supplier of solar electrical energy.
Especially for those of you who are planning to build a new production factory, you can plan to install an environmentally friendly electricity source. And solar power is a clean and easy to obtain energy source.
If you are not familiar with solar power systems, the following is one of the ground mounted PLTS methods that can be a reference for your factory's power generation source.
What is Ground-Mounted PLTS?
Ground mounted solar power plants are large-scale solar panels installed under signs and connected to the electricity network (grid). Conceptually, these solar panels are similar to rooftop PLTS, the difference lies in the system and capacity designed.
Grounded PLTS can be installed in fields or fields that have the most exposure to sunlight. Its use is often found in housing, power plants, and community electricity suppliers.
The installation process for this type of PLTS requires tools such as pipes and poles that are positioned to absorb maximum sunlight. Modern solar panel products have trackers available to follow the direction of the sun's movement.
Ground-Mounted PLTS type
This solar panel has various types that you can choose according to conditions. Up to now, there are three types of solar panels on ground-mounted PLTS. These three things are as follows:
a. Polycrystalline Solar Panels
This type of solar panel is made by dissolving silicon and pouring it into a mold. This process is considered to be economical in terms of production costs. The resulting efficiency ranges from 16-17%.
b. Monocrystalline Solar Panels
The following solar panels are made from pure silicon crystals. Therefore it has an even texture and uniform shape, and offers high durability. This type of solar panel can produce an efficiency of 19-20%.
c. Bifacial Solar Panels
Bifacial solar panels are a type of ground mounted solar panel with advanced technology. Consists of a silicone layer that receives direct sunlight.
Meanwhile, the bottom panel also receives reflected sunlight from the light-colored TPO roof.
Increased exposure to direct and reflected sunlight allows these solar panels to produce efficiencies of up to 22%. Much larger than other types of ground mounted PLTS solar panels.
How Ground-Mounted PLTS works
In principle, ground mounted PLTS has the same way of working as rooftop PLTS. It starts by absorbing sunlight to produce an electric charge and then transferring it to the inverter via conductive cables.
The difference with rooftop PLTS is that this generator is installed on the ground. Then, this generator can be programmed so that the solar panels can move in the direction of the sun for optimal heat absorption.
To install this type of PLTS requires more cables to be installed far enough apart so as not to interfere with the work process.
Advantages of Ground-Mounted PLTS
Did you know that using ground-mounted PLTS can produce more electricity than rooftop solar panels? But this is not the only advantage of PLTS, there are still other benefits.
1. Efficient
Installing ground mounted solar panels is much more energy efficient because the system captures sunlight evenly. The reason is that rooftop solar panels are installed on a rigid mounting structure.
Rooftop PLTS absorb sunlight based on the position of the sun, while ground panels can move according to the elevation angle to maximize exposure to sunlight.
Apart from efficiency issues, ground-mounted PLTS has more space for panel installation so that it can absorb as much sunlight as possible.
The separate mounting structure provides a tilt angle that increases efficiency. Ultimately this will increase the amount of electricity produced.
2. Minimize the risk of damage to buildings or homes
This power plant can be placed in an open space without drilling so it does not cause damage to the building. Apart from that, the stand is light and easy to disassemble. Apart from not causing damage, this PLTS avoids the risk of fire due to short circuit problems during installation.
3. Easier Maintenance
When compared to rooftop solar power systems, there is a distinct difference in terms of maintenance convenience. Ground-mounted systems do not require climbing onto a roof for servicing. Easy access facilitates inspections and ensures safety by minimizing potential hazards.
4. Greater Solar Panel Reach and Flexibility
Installing solar panels on the ground offers greater flexibility regarding space utilization. Panel configurations can be optimized to capture sunlight more efficiently. These systems often feature trackers capable of generating 10–45% more power than fixed-tilt panels.
5. High Efficiency
Ground-mounted panels allow for full control over the tilt angle to maximize power generation; in certain conditions, the tilt angle can be set between 45 and 55 degrees.
Ground-mounted panels can operate at lower temperatures compared to rooftop systems, resulting in up to 25% higher efficiency. These solar systems are available in various configurations to meet your specific electricity needs.
The advantages of ground-mounted systems include easy access and maintenance, robust racking support, scalability in panel size, and the ability to track the sun's movement. However, this does not mean it is a flawless product.
Before installing this type of solar system, there are several factors to consider. First, installation costs are significantly higher than those for rooftop panels, and the installation process is more complex due to the number of components involved. Second, to achieve optimal results, the panels must be installed in an open area free from obstructions that could block direct sunlight.