How Does The Different Parts Of A Home Solar Powered System Work With Each Other?

Posted on January 27, 2010
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There are ten different components that make up a solar powered generating system. However, it doesn’t necessarily follow that you will have all the items built into your system. You can start off simple and add to it as your requirements change.

Don’t feel to intimidate by the options or complexity of the different systems it is really very simple. For example, if your home gets electricity from the national grid, it doesn’t mean you have to hook your system up to it if you don’t want to.

PV Solar Panels

These solar panels face the sun and convert the suns energy into power. They produce DC electric power in contrast to AC. You can connect as many panels as you like together, this is called a solar panel array. Follow this link find out more about how to build a solar panel.

The panels are linked together inline. One follows the next one, a bit like a string of fairy lights in contrast to being connected together on an adhoc basis. The more panels you have, the more energy you produce.

DC Disconnect

As the electricity flows from your panels, the first component it hits is the DC disconnect. This is a vital piece of kit as it switches off the electricity generated by your solar panels. This now allows to carryout maintenance on any other part of your system.

Battery Charge Controller

If you are using a battery bank to store any unused electricity then I strongly suggest you fit a charge controller to your system. If a battery gets over charged it can become damaged. A charge controller is designed to protect your batteries.

Battery

Read up on the different types of batteries and get familiar with them. You want to use deep cycle batteries like the ones they use in forklift trucks. Do not use car batteries.

Batteries also perform better when they are warm. Do not put them outside, they need to be protected from the weather and covered. A battery box is also a good investment, they keep your batteries at a good temperature and also protect them from accidental damage.

Solar System Meter

A system meter is very useful for telling you how much electricity you are using and how much power is left in your batteries. You don’t want to work blind, they don’t cost very much are really worth their weight in gold.

DC Disconnect to the Main Supply

You only need this if you have a battery backup as it turns of the electricity from them. You design the system so that it sits between your batteries and the AC DC inverter. Like the solar panel disconnect, it is very handy for when you are carrying out maintenance on your system.

DC To AC Inverter

Both the battery bank and the solar cells generate a direct current. However, all your appliances in your home use AC current. So the inverter converts the DC into an AC current so everything works as it should.

Diesel Generator

Check out the many types of fossil fueled generators. You will want one of these if you are not connected to the national grid. A backup generator does not only secure your energy supply should something go wrong, it can also recharge your batteries during cloudy days or at night.

AC Breaker Panel

If you have a utility supplier, you will have a AC breaker panel. This is where the electricity from the national grid enters your home. Although all houses have them, only the electric company is allowed to wire them up. You have to get the electric company to come along and wire it up for you.

Whatever you do, do not wire it up yourself. You can get into a lot of trouble, and it isn’t worth the hassle. The utility company will find out in the end..

Home Kilowatt per Hour Meter

As with the breaker panel, you will also have a KWH meter. This is how you record how much electric is consumed within your home. You can also see how much you are sending back to the grid.

Video on Different Aspects Of Building Your Own Solar Panel

Learning to build a solar panel is the first step. The second step is to design a system that will work in your home. Check out build a solar panel and get full instructions on how to put it all together.

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