SMA HYBRID ENERGY SUPPLY FOR A FLOWER FARM IN ELDAMA RAVINE, KENYA

MINIMISING FUEL COSTS AND CO₂ EMISSIONS WITH THE SMA FUEL SAVE SOLUTION

CCL has been providing Off-Grid power solutions for many years and we have built up a wealth of experience in the best ways to do this, here we have an example of a system installed in Kenya by SMA Solar using the new Fuel Save Controller solution. It is systems like this one that CCL can provide for any location around the world. The case study looks at a real life example of a business called Karen Roses Ltd which operate six flower farms throughout Kenya. On one of their farms in Eldama Ravine in Rift Valley they have installed a 249kW Solar System teamed with the SMA Fuel Save Controller which prevents feedback of PV power to the grid as net metering isn't allowed. As well as the site in Eldama Ravine has 1x 350kVA and 1x 150kVA Standby Generators to protect the business against blackouts when the grid goes down.

During the day the energy demand is generally fulfilled by the 249kW Solar System but also helps to reduce the fuel consumption and CO2 output of the generators.  The SMA Fuel Save Controller also calculates the optimal set-point for PV penetration and secures stable system behaviour under all operational conditions. This set-up makes solar an economically viable solution for farms, such as those undertaking rose cultivation, and provides greater independence from unstable grids and fuel costs.

System size Installed PV Power: 249 kWp Diesel Generators: 1 x 350 kVA, 1 x 150 kVA Public Grid

System information Location: Eldama Ravine, Kenya Coordinates: 0°4’5“N, 35°44‘44“E Plant commissioning: October 2014 EPC: Cappello Energy S.R.L Operator: Karen Roses Ltd Annual generation: approx. 250 MWhPV System Technology 3 Sunny Tripower STP 15000 TLEE - (Since this system was installed the TLEE version has been replaced.) 9 Sunny Tripower STP 20000 TLEE - (Since this system was installed the TLEE version has been replaced.) SMA Fuel Save Controller

Download the full SMA Case study of Karen Roses Ltd

CCL has the knowledge and expertise to provide a full Off-Grid or Grid-Tied Back up power solution around the world, we have been supplying similar systems for the last 20 years giving power so some of the most remote locations. If you wish to go completely Off-Grid then you would have to add in additional functionality using 48V Battery Banks. Why not try out our battery calculator for more information on what size of battery bank you would require. The system shown above is a large commercial system however we are able to size systems to your power requirements and budget. CCL have also developed our very own Powerplus Hybrid Power System which provides users with a plug and play solution which can be connected to Standby Generators and Solar PV power sources to provide clean, low cost power. If you are interested in finding out more contact our sales team at DCPower@blog.cclcomponents.com or call +44 (0)1355 599990.