Archives for Solar Energy

How Solar PV Systems Work

Generating electricity using solar electric panels and associated equipment

How Solar PV Panels Generate Electricity

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels use cells containing a semi-conductor material to capture the sun’s energy and convert solar radiation into electricity. The most commonly used semi-conductor material is silicon, which is an abundant natural resource found in sand. When light strikes the cell a certain amount of energy is absorbed within the semiconductor material, knocking electrons, the negatively charged particles that form the basis of electricity, loose.

Most PV cells have two layers of semi-conductor material, one positively charged and one negatively charged. When light shines on the semi-conductor the electric field across the junction between these two layers causes electricity to flow, generating direct current (DC). By placing metal contacts on the top and bottom of the PV cell, we can draw that current off for external use.

Solar PV electric panels do not require bright sunlight in order to operate, meaning that you can still generate electricity on cloudy days, however in general the greater the intensity of light the higher the flow of electricity. Although,  due to the reflection of sunlight, days with slight cloud can result in higher energy yields than days with a completely cloudless sky.

It is important to realise that you can only use your free solar electricity when it is being generated – so unless you also invest in batteries to store power for use in the evenings and at night, you will need to pay for your energy use as normal when the panels are not producing electric.

How the Electricity is Converted for use

Direct Current (DC) needs to be converted into alternating current (AC) so it can be used in a domestic building; this is performed by an inverter. The AC electricity then passes via the generation meter, which measures how much electricity has been created, and on to the consumer unit where it can be fed into the property for use or exported back to the national grid via the electricity meter.

A typical grid connected roof mounted system consists of a number of components, as shown in the diagram to the right.

You will be paid for every kWh of electricity that your solar PV system generates, even if you use the power yourself. You will also be paid an additional amount for any electricity that you export to the national grid. Click here to visit the feed in tariff page to find out more.

Via EWS

We will happily answer any of your questions regarding our PV services. Simply leave us your contact details below and a member of our team will get in touch with you.

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    Submission Of Applications To The Photovoltaic Installation Plan For Electric Vehicle Charging Has Begun

    The start of submitting applications to the Sponsorship project for the installation of a photovoltaic system for charging an electric or plug – in hybrid vehicle ” is announced . The amount of the sponsorship for the installation or expansion of an existing photovoltaic system amounts to €750 per kW, with a maximum sponsorship amount of €1,500 per vehicle.

    The Plan was announced on 20/04/2022 in order to give the opportunity to the interested parties to proceed with the implementation of the corresponding investment. The Plan’s budget amounts to €1.5 million and is part of the efforts of the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry and the Government in general to promote electrification and sustainable transport.

    In addition to the installation of the photovoltaic system, the Plan provides the beneficiaries with the opportunity to purchase and install a charger, convert the electrical installation of the house from single-phase to three-phase and purchase a battery to store the energy produced by the photovoltaic system. Beneficiaries of the plan are natural persons who live in a house and are owners of an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle.

    The Scheme has retroactive effect from 01/02/2022 (date of connection of the photovoltaic system) and will remain open until 20/12/2023 or until the available budget is exhausted.

    The amount of the sponsorship for the installation or expansion of an existing photovoltaic system amounts to €750 per kW, with a maximum sponsorship amount of €1,500 per vehicle.

    Discretionary costs are financed as follows:

    ‒ Purchase and installation of a charger, €600.

    ‒ Conversion of electrical installation of the house from single-phase to three-phase, €450.

    ‒ Battery purchase/installation, €750 per kWh, with a maximum sponsorship amount per application of €2,000.

    The Grant Scheme is included in the Recovery and Resilience Plan “Cyprus to avrio” for the period 2021–2026, and is funded by the EU.

     

    All information about the Plan and access to the application process are posted on the website of the RES and EXE Fund: www.resecfund.org.cy/ev_charging_2022

     

     

    Source: Ministry of Energy Commerce and Industry

    Please use this form to contact us to discuss your renewable energy options for a more sustainable future.

      * We collect, store and use the information you place on this form for the exclusive purpose of communicating with us for your best service, in accordance with the Company's Privacy Policy. Your data is NOT sent to third parties.

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      We’re Hiring – Office Administrator

      PROFILE

      Established in 1988, Z&X Group has built a strong reputation over the years and is dedicated to customer service and support.

      It holds one of the largest Mechanical Engineering companies in Cyprus, a Holiday Villas and a Car Rentals company.

      JOB DESCRIPTION

      We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic, organised and experienced Office Administrator to join our team and assist in administrative duties. We offer a friendly working environment and the successful applicant will be supporting the engineering and tendering department.

      To be considered for the role, you’ll require the following essentials:

      • Proficient in MS Office
      • Critical thinker and problem-solving skills
      • Team player
      • Good time-management skills
      • Great interpersonal and communication skills
      • Ability to work under pressure
      • Dynamic and flexible to be able to respond to changing priorities
      • Ability to communicate effectively and clearly
      • Previous experience in a similar position
      • Fluency in Greek and English both written and oral
      • Ethical, trustworthy, reliable, discreet and individual
      • Dynamic, results-oriented, self-motivated and able to work in a dynamic and fast paced environment
      • Must be able to work individually as well as part of a team
      • Flexible and willing to take up new challenges and opportunities
      • Excellent organisational and communication skills

      Within this position, you’ll also be:

      • Processing of customer requests
      • Answering incoming calls
      • Record keeping & data management
      • Generating quotes & order confirmations
      • Organising deliveries & collections
      • Updating databases & using a CRM system
      • Organize projects files
      • Processing of business requests
      • Carry out site surveys and data collection
      • Coordinate with clients
      • Contribute to the improvement of internal controls

      To apply for this vacancy, please send your CV, along with a covering letter to sales@zandxgroup.com.

      All applications will be treated with strict confidence.

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      mechanical installations

      Geothermal Energy

      Geothermal energy is heat derived within the sub-surface of the earth. Water and/or steam carry the geothermal energy to the Earth’s surface. Depending on its characteristics, geothermal energy can be used for heating and cooling purposes or be harnessed to generate clean electricity. A geothermal energy cooling / heating system is based on using the full potential of the constant temperature and thermal conductivity of the earths substructure.

      We can see this phenomenon in basement areas where during the summer the area is cool and during the winter warm without the use of air conditioning.

      Geothermal energy can be broken down into two categories: open loop systems and closed loop systems.

      Open loop geothermal energy for cooling / heating is the pumping of under ground water source through a heat pump (or VRV) and the return of the water after the energy transfer. This method needs a constant water supply.

      mechanical installations

      Closed loop Geothermal energy systems can be divide into two categories.

      Horizontal closed loop Geothermal energy system is installed at least 1.5 meters below the ground with pipe spacing of at least 1.8 – 2.2  Rm per m². Output is 20 – 35W/m². This system has the disadvantage of requiring a large area to be installed.

      mechanical installations

      Vertical closed loop Geothermal energy system where the loop is installed in a vertical bore well (6” – 8” diameter) and 60 – 120 deep. The minimum distance between the wells is 5 meters and the output is 40-70W/meter of depth, and depending on the soil structure. This system is more popular as you need less space and have a higher output.

      mechanical installations

      The heat which is collected from the earth is transferred to the  system (heat pump, chiller, VRV, etc.) and the exchange is made via heat exchangers and transferred to the cooling circuit of the unit as in a normal system. Due to the fact that the temperature is constant in the earth (±18.5°C) the energy required for this  this process is much less than in a normal system where the  air temperature is 40°C in summer and 5-10°C in winter.

      Geothermal  energy can be used for under floor heating, fan coils, or for VRV systems, and the savings in comparison to a normal Air to water system can be up to 50-60% depending on the application and use of system.     

      Contact Us If You Have Any Questions

        * We collect, store and use the information you place on this form for the exclusive purpose of communicating with us for your best service, in accordance with the Company's Privacy Policy. Your data is NOT sent to third parties.

        Photo Credits: Shutterstock

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        net metering cyprus

        Τι είναι το Net Metering και πως να επωφεληθείς – Εγκαταστάσεις Φωτοβολταϊκών με επιχορήγηση και γρήγορη απόσβεση!

        Ακόμη πληρώνεις ρεύμα; 

        Το Net Metering είναι η εγκατάσταση μικρού ΦΒ συστήματος ισχύος μέχρι 10 KWp σε μόνιμες κατοικίες ή επαγγελματικά υποστατικά, το οποίο πετυχαίνει εξοικονόμηση ενέργειας μέχρι και 17000 KWh ετησίως.

        ΜΟΝΟ η διαφορά κατανάλωσης ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας πληρώνεται στην ΑΗΚ, συν τα ετήσια τέλη! 

        Με βάση τα Σχέδια Χορηγιών Ανανεώσιμων Πηγών Ενέργειας & Εξοικονόμησης Ενέργειας, για εγκατάσταση ΦΒ Συστήματος με τη μέθοδο συμψηφισμού γίνεσε αυτόματα δικαιούχος για επιχορήγηση €250 ανά εγκατεστημένο kW με μέγιστο ποσό τα €1000 (ΚΑΤΗΓΟΡΙΑ 3Α).

        Πως θα γίνει αυτό;

        1. Θα επισκεφτούμε το χώρο σας και θα κάνουμε τη μελέτη για τις ανάγκες του υποστατικού σας.

        2. Θα υποβάλει η εταιρεία μας αίτηση για έγκριση στην Αρχή Ηλεκτρισμού Κύπρου.

        3. Μετά την έγκριση θα γίνει η εγκατάσταση του συστήματος.

        4. Μετά την ολοκλήρωση της εγκατάστασης, η εταιρεία μας θα υποβάλει αίτηση για έλεγχο από την Αρχή Ηλεκτρισμού Κύπρου, όπου θα οριστεί η ημερομηνία ελέγχου.

        5. Μετά την έγκριση από την επίσκεψη ελέγχου, και αφού έχει ξοφληθεί η προμήθεια και εγκατάσταση του συστήματος, η εταιρεία μας θα ετοιμάσει την αίτηση για επιχορήγηση, η οποία παραχωρείτε απευθείας στον δικαιούχο μέσω του τραπεζικού του λογαριασμού.  

        Αναλόγως του συστήματος και της χρήσης ρεύματος, η απόσβεση της αρχική επένδυσης προβλέπετε σε 3-6 χρόνια, κάτι το οποίο θα είναι ξεκάθαρο όταν γίνει η ακριβής μελέτη του υποστατικού σας.

        Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες ή διευθέτηση ραντεβού, μπορείτε να επικοινωνήσετε μαζί μας συμπληρώνοντας τα στοιχεία σας πιο κάτω.

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          * We collect, store and use the information you place on this form for the exclusive purpose of communicating with us for your best service, in accordance with the Company's Privacy Policy. Your data is NOT sent to third parties.

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          cyprus renewable energy

          Save Energy and Money – Go Green Today!

          WHY?

          The production of electricity from sunlight is gaining popularity worldwide. Installation of your own photovoltaic system is a sound investment. 

          Still not sure? We can pay you a visit for a free site consultation! Z&X Mechanical Installations can provide you with the best options for your needs. Our professional team of trained and experienced engineers can advise you on the most productive photovoltaic system for your needs.

          Click HERE and find out about some of our residential and corporate projects successfully completed over the years.

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          Mechanical Engineer Vacancy

          Η εταιρεία Z&X Mechanical Installations στη Πάφο ζητά να εργοδοτήσει πτυχιούχο Μηχανολόγο Μηχανικό για άμεση απασχόληση για το τμήμα προσφορών, σχεδιασμού και οργάνωσης.

          Απαραίτητες προϋποθέσεις

          – Γνώση του προγράμματος AutoCAD

          – Γνώση των προγραμμάτων Microsoft Office

          – Γνώση Αγγλικής γλώσσας

          – 3 χρόνια Προϋπηρεσίας

          Αιτήσεις και βιογραφικά θα λαμβάνονται μέσω email στη διεύθυνση administration@zandxgroup.com

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          photovoltaic systems cyprus

          Photovoltaic System Battery Storage

          Photovoltaic systems increasingly use rechargeable batteries to store energy to be later used at night. Batteries used for storage also stabilize the electrical grid by levelling out peak loads, and play an important role in a smart grid, as they can charge during periods of low demand and feed their stored energy into the grid when demand is high.

          Common battery technologies used in today’s PV systems include the valve regulated lead-acid battery– a modified version of the conventional lead–acid battery, nickel–cadmium and lithium-ion batteries. Compared to the other types, lead-acid batteries have a shorter lifetime and lower energy density. However, due to their high reliability, low self-discharge as well as low investment and maintenance costs, they are currently the predominant technology used in small-scale, residential PV systems, as lithium-ion batteries are still being developed and about 3.5 times as expensive as lead-acid batteries. Furthermore, as storage devices for PV systems are stationary, the lower energy and power density and therefore higher weight of lead-acid batteries are not as critical as, for example, in electric transportation. Other rechargeable batteries that are considered for distributed PV systems include sodium–sulphur and vanadium redox batteries, two prominent types of a molten salt and a flow battery, respectively.

          Photovoltaic systems with an integrated battery solution need also a charge controller, as the current and varying voltage from the solar array requires constant adjustment to prevent damage from overcharging. Basic charge controllers may simply turn the PV panels on and off, or may meter out pulses of energy as needed.

          Image result for photovoltaic system battery storage

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          Geothermal energy

          A geothermal energy  cooling / heating system is based on using the full potential of the constant temperature and thermal conductivity of the earths substructure.

          We can see this phenomenon in basement areas where during the summer the area is cool and during the winter warm without the use of air conditioning.

          Geothermal energy can be broken down into two categories :Open loop systems and closed loop systems.

          Open loop geothermal energy for cooling / heating is the pumping of under ground water source through a Heat pump (or VRV) and the return of the water after the energy transfer. This method needs a constant water supply.

          geothermal systems cyprus

          Closed loop Geothermal energy systems can be divide into two categories.

          Horizontal closed loop Geothermal energy system is installed at least 1.5 meters below the ground with pipe spacing of at least 1.8 – 2.2  Rm per m². Output is 20 – 35W/m². This system has the disadvantage of requiring a large area to be installed.

          geothermal systems cyprus

          Vertical closed loop Geothermal energy system where the loop is installed in a vertical bore well (6” – 8” diameter) and 60 – 120 deep. The minimum distance between the wells is 5 meters and the output is 40-70W/meter of depth, and depending on the soil structure. This system is more popular as you need less space and have a higher output.

          geothermal systems cyprusThe heat which is collected from the earth is transferred to the  system(Heat pump, CHILLER, VRV e.t.c.) and the exchange is made via heat exchangers and transferred to the cooling circuit of the unit as in a normal system. Due to the fact that the temperature is constant in the earth (±18.5°C) the energy required for this  this process is much less than in a normal system where the  air temperature is 40°C in summer and 5-10°C in winter.

          Geothermal  energy can be used for under floor heating, fan coils, or for VRV systems, and the savings in comparison to a normal Air to water system can be up to 50-60% depending on the application and use of system.     

             

          Read more
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