To build a complete solar electric generating system for your house, you will need to source ten generic parts. 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.
It doesn’t really matter where you start. 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.
Solar Cells
These solar panels face the sun and convert the suns energy into power. They produce DC electric power in contrast to AC. Go crazy and build loads of solar panels because you can connect an unlimited amount together. 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.
Direct Current (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.
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. This prevents your batteries from becoming over charged, which can damage them.
Battery Bank
Learn about the various types of batteries that are available. The type you need is deep cycle. These batteries are often used in forklift vehicles. Do not use car batteries.
Batteries also perform better when they are warm. If you don’t have room in the house for them, make them a shelter outside, never leave them exposed. The other thing you might want to think about is getting a battery box. They are great for protection and keeping batteries warm.
System Metering
The way to know how much power you are producing, how much you are using and how much is left in your batteries, is to use a system meter. If you don’t have one you do not know if you are producing enough electricity or not.
Main Supply DC Disconnect
The main DC disconnect is used to turn off the power from your battery. 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. What we have to do is convert this DC current into an AC current. We convert DC to AC using the inverter and so all your electrical home appliances work without any problems.
Petrol Generator
There are various types of electric generators to choose from. You will want one of these if you are not connected to the national grid. The electrical generator can provide a backup to your solar powered system should it be down for maintenance or if the batteries are low.
Alternating Current 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. Every house has one of these; however, you are not allowed to touch it. You have to get the electric company to come along and wire it up for you.
Don’t be tempted to do it yourself, it is a criminal offence for unqualified people to touch these panels, and you want it to be done correctly..
Electric Meter
Every house with a utility electric supplier has an electric 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. Go to build a solar panel and discover how to build a complete system to power your home.
{ 0 comments… add one now }