FORWARD THINKING TECHNOLOGY
Last updated
Last updated
Figure 17 illustrates a typical solar Photovoltaic (PV) system. The PV solar arrays convert the sun’s energy into Direct Current (DC) electricity. Currently For that to be used in the home, it needs to be converted to AC electricity. This is accomplished with a Power Conditioner/inverter. From there, the power can be fed into the homes electrical panel to provide power for the existing lighting circuits.
Having a Class 2 DC Distributive Lighting System lends itself to future Solar PV system installations but without the need to condition/convert the DC power to AC. LEDs natively use/require DC, hence there is no need for integrated electronics to convert the power to AC. Additionally, by adding battery arrays, the system is then capable of directly powering the Class 2 DC Distributive System anytime, regardless of grid power availability. Figure 18 is an example of such a system.
The positive environmental impacts are even greater when employing a Class 2 Distributive Lighting system versus standard LED systems. With the elimination of individual LED drivers in each fixture, the inefficiencies associated by converting DC to AC and then back to DC are eliminated. Hence, a lower carbon footprint and greater sustainability is achieved.