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+260 977 589 751 | +260 967 208 005


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Commercial & IndustrialSolar Systems

A Commercial and Industrial (C&I) solar system is a solar power solution designed for businesses, factories, industrial parks, and other large-scale operations. These systems provide renewable energy to offset or fully power a company’s energy needs, significantly reducing electricity costs and carbon footprints.

The major components of C&I solar systems include solar panels to generate electricity, inverters or PCUs to convert and manage power, mounting systems for installation, cabling, batteries for energy storage (if present), and monitoring systems to track performance. Additional components like transformers, switchgear, and protection devices ensure safe and efficient system operation, while bi-directional meters enable grid interaction and net metering. Together, these components work in tandem to provide clean, reliable energy for commercial and industrial applications.
The Power Conditioning Unit (PCU) is a key component that ensures the proper conversion and management of electrical power generated by the solar panels. It plays a vital role in the overall efficiency and reliability of the solar energy system.

Key Functions of a PCU

Inverter Functionality

Like a traditional inverter, the PCU converts the DC current generated by solar panels into AC, which is the form of electricity required by most commercial and industrial equipment and appliances.

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Grid Management

A PCU can manage the distribution of power between the solar panels, battery storage (if present), and the electric grid. It ensures that the power generated is used efficiently, either by:
● Supplying it directly to the building's energy load.● Storing excess power in batteries (if part of the system).● Exporting surplus electricity back to the grid if grid-tied and allowed by regulations.

Power Regulation and Conditioning

The PCU ensures that the power being supplied to the building’s electrical system is of the right voltage and frequency. This conditioning process ensures the stability and reliability of power to protect sensitive equipment from surges, sags, or fluctuations in electricity.

Hybrid System Management (in some systems)

PCUs in hybrid solar systems can manage power from both the solar panels and backup sources like diesel generators or battery banks, intelligently switching between power sources to maintain an uninterrupted supply.

Monitoring and Protection

The PCU typically comes with monitoring capabilities, allowing real-time tracking of system performance, including power generation, consumption, and the health of various system components. It also protects the system from issues like over-voltage, overcurrent, or short circuits.

Types of PCUs

Grid-Tied PCU

This type is used in systems that are connected to the utility grid. It manages the flow of electricity between the solar panels, the grid, and the load, and may facilitate net metering by exporting surplus power back to the grid.

Off-Grid PCU

Designed for solar systems that are not connected to the grid. It handles power conditioning and storage (if batteries are included) and ensures a stable power supply to the load.

Electricity

Hybrid PCU

The PCU ensures that the power being supplied to the building’s electrical system is of the right voltage and frequency. This conditioning process ensures the stability and reliability of power to protect sensitive equipment from surges, sags, or fluctuations in electricity.

Design of C& I Systems

Design of C&I System is more complicated than home system and involve the use of sophisticated design tools such as Helioscope (https://helioscope.aurorasolar.com/) to optimize the design in terms of PV array size and layout, functionality, reliability and economic performance.
Sunray has partnered with the SA company, Viridus Ipsum, with vast experience in the design and construction of C&I projects, ranging from 100 kW to 10 MW.

Photo Gallery

Pictures showcasing some of the projects successfully completed by our C&I partner, Viridus Ipsum.

Not sure which C&I Solar Systemis right for you?

Get in touch with one of our experts to find the perfect solution!