Power consumption

In the current situation of increasing electricity prices, cheaper photovoltaic technologies and the excellent location of the NOT in terms of solar hours, a study of a PV system at the NOT facilities has been undertaken. The system studied consists of 10 kilowatt solar panels, mounted on the service building rooftop, and an inverter which injects the produced electricity directly into the NOT power consumption line, thereby decreasing the demand of power needed from the grid during daytime. In optimal conditions, up to 50% of the power consumed by the telescope may be produced by the solar panels. We have received an offer of such an installation from a local company. The total installation costs amounts to around 20k euros. The yearly savings in electricity is estimated to around 3k euros, meaning that after 6-7 years, the investment has paid itself back. Solar panels are expected to keep producing at least 80% of the rated power after 20 years of usage.