Tektrade was set up in 1996 with the aim of providing technology products and engineering services to local industry, backed with professional support. The company is managed by a group of professional engineers with more than 40 years of combined experience in industry, both locally and abroad.
Our engineers have been involved in PV locally since the early development days of photovoltaics, having designed and installed small systems such as garden lights and telephone booth lighting.
These were among the first systems installed on our islands. Larger photovoltaic systems were installed in 2001, in particular the design and installation of a standalone system for a country house. In the early days of local photovoltaics, all projects were off grid since no regulations were yet in place with respect to grid connection. At that time, grid tied inverters were not fully developed due to their high harmonic content. Moreover, the term feed-in-tariff was unheard of at that time.
During all these years, we have gathered a wealth of experience for the benefit of our client base. Our engineers have been involved in a variety of projects ranging from small domestic installation to large solar power stations overseas.
Systems are built using the best quality brands in this field. Our installations are carried out by qualified installers licensed by REWS specifically for the installation of PV systems. Once an installation is ready, it is then certified by a professional engineer using state of the art instrumentation to ensure the electrical integrity and performance of the system. A handover documentation pack containing all the data of the equipment installed, test results and all other information relevant to the installation, is given to each client on completion of the job.
We provide a turnkey solution, from consultation, design and system modelling to installation and performance monitoring. Tektrade boasts of in house expertise as well as qualifications and skills to execute all stages relating to an installation; from the initial site evaluation to the final commissioning. Nothing is subcontracted. We control each project from A to Z.
We offer a truly professional service. Whether it is a small 3kW domestic system or a large commercial installation, we discuss at length with the client in order to explain every aspect of a PV system and make sure to understand the needs and concerns of the client in order to address them in the best manner possible.
We develop 3D modelling, positioned geographically as per the actual site coordinates and azimuth. This process identifies any shading obstacles which may be present on site, influencing the performance of the system. This is done by a shadow animation spanning over a whole year. Such an exercise enables the client to visualise the PV system once completed within the context of his roof. Different points of views are generated by the click of a button.
The effect of shading obstacles on the performance of the PV system is quantified by the use of modelling software, such as the industry standard PVsyst. The modelling software is initially set for the Maltese solar climate together with values of extreme and average ambient temperatures. This information, together with all the parameters of the PV panels, is essential to establish how the panels are to be connected together, what is technically known as string design. The exact models of solar panels and inverters being proposed for the project are then configured together with the other parameters which define the installation such as tilt angle and orientation. Simulations for various scenarios are then carried out taking into account nearby shading obstacles in order to determine the system performance over an entire year.
This is followed by an economic evaluation which is carried out to determine the return on investment for each design scenario considered in the modelling stage. This allows us to identify which layout optimises the use of the site.
We provide also consultancy services with respect to the development of third parties PV projects. Our services cover both the PV aspect and the power engineering sides of the project. Our engineers can assist developers to optimise a PV project by carrying out the tasks of shading analysis, generation modelling, string design and inverter selection. We also provide the complete design of the ac side of the project including the sizing of power cables, switchgear and junction boxes, and 11kV substations if needed. Custom built LV switchgear in line with the latest IEC requirements can also be provided.
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