How Does The Differnet Items Of A PV Solar Powered Electrical System Work Together?
There are ten different components that make up a solar powered generating system. Of course you don’t have to use all them. You can pick and choose depending on what type of system you want to end up with.
Don’t feel to intimidate by the options or complexity of the different systems it is really very simple. For example, we talk about having a diesel generator as a back-up system, but you don’t to have to start off with one, and you can add it at a later date if you think it is necessary.
Photovoltaic Solar Panels
Solar cells are placed in direct sunlight, and they transform daylight into electricity. It converts it into DC electricity. It doesn’t matter how many solar cells or solar panels you connect together. Really, you want to connect as many as possible. Follow this link find out more about how to build a solar panel.
You connect all the panels together so they are inline. A bit like having a string of fairy lights, and the light bulbs are the solar panels. 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. It is important if you want to do some maintenance on your system as it switches on and off the flow of electricity to your solar powered system.
Charge Controller
A charge controller is very important to have if you are using batteries to store electricity. This prevents your batteries from becoming over charged, which can damage them.
Battery Bank
Learn about the various types of batteries that are available. What you need are deep cycle batteries and these are commonly used by forklift truck manufactures. Do not use car batteries.
Batteries also perform better when they are warm. Do not expose them to the elements; keep them in a garage or some sheltered building. A battery box is also a good investment, they keep your batteries at a good temperature and also protect them from accidental damage.
System Metering
Your solar system meter is, in effect, your dashboard. It tells you the amount of electricity you are generating, consuming and how much is stored in your batteries. If you don’t have one you do not know if you are producing enough electricity or not.
Main Supply Direct Current (DC) Disconnect
If you have a battery bank then you will need a main Direct Current disconnect. It is placed in-between your battery bank and your inverter. This turns off the power from your batteries, which then allows you to undertake any preventative maintenance.
DC To AC Inverter
Both the battery bank and the solar cells generate a direct current. What we have to do is convert this DC current into an 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. The generator can produce electricity when there is no sun or when the batteries are run down.
AC (Alternating Current) Breaker Panel
The AC breaker panel is where you feed the electricity you produced back to the national grid. Every house has one of these; however, you are not allowed to touch it. Which means, when you are ready, arrange for them to connect your solar energy system to the grid.
It makes sense really, if you get this bit wrong it can be very costly, and you don’t want to end up with the blame for anything.
KW per Hour Meter
As with the breaker panel, you will also have a KWH meter. This what the electricity company uses to record how much electricity you have used.
Video on Different Aspects Of Building Your Own Solar Panel
Once you know how to build a solar panel you now need to source all the other components to build a complete system to power your home. Check out build a solar panel and get full instructions on how to put it all together.
Tags: DIY, home, Home Improvement, solar energy, solar power
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