Load Analysis

Every Standalone Power System (SPS) should begin with a complete, accurate and thorough analysis of the appliances to be used in the system.  If the load analysis is not properly done, the system is bound to disappoint users.  If the system’s energy consumption is estimated too low, power demand will not be met.  If the estimate is too high, the user will be wasting money on unneeded equipment.

So who does the analysis - the system’s user or Smart Energy?  In most cases, both contribute information.  The user lists and gathers information about each appliance: How much energy does the appliance consume?  How often is the appliance used?  Smart Energy then takes this information and generates an estimate of daily energy consumption and peak operating load.  We can pick up abnomalities or ommissions, and recommend products to reduce electricity demand.

The golden rule is: Money spent on an efficient appliance saves you considerably more money in system components.

Smart Energy will suggest replacing inefficient appliances with the most efficient types available.  We will be trying to save you three to five times the cost of these appliances in PV modules, batteries and inverters.

Sad to say, many systems are purchased without ever doing a load analysis.  This risks wasting money, and can result in disappointment with the system.  Smart Energy will insist that a load analysis be done before selling you an SPS system.

A budget is NOT a load analysis.  Don’t buy a system based on preferred budget.  Do the load analysis and, if the system needed to power these loads is too expensive, modify the loads.  Replace inefficient appliances and, if need be, eliminate appliances until the system is affordable.  It is not unusual to go through the load analysis and system design phase three or four times before the right setup is found.  This is an essential give and take process.