There are ten different components that make up a solar powered generating system. Depending on what type of system you want to implement will depend on whether you use some or all of them.
Just to emphasize that point. 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.
PV Solar Panels
Solar cells are placed in direct sunlight, and they transform daylight into electricity. Unfortunately, they produce DC power, so we have to change this to AC power. 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.
They are connected in series so the flow of electricity is from to the next one in line. That is why you can have as many panels as you like and the more you have the electricity you generate.
Direct Current (DC) Disconnect
The energy you produce flows to 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
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
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. The other thing you might want to think about is getting a battery box. They are great for protection and keeping batteries warm.
Solar System Meter
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. Without a system meter, you are working blind.
Main Supply Direct Current (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.
AC DC Inverter
Both the battery bank and the solar cells generate a direct current. However, all your appliances in your home use AC current. We convert DC to AC using the inverter and so all your electrical home appliances work without any problems.
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 electrical generator can provide a backup to your solar powered system should it be down for maintenance or if the batteries are low.
AC Breaker Panel
The AC breaker panel is where you feed the electricity you produced back to the national grid. Although all houses have them, only the electric company is allowed to wire them up. So you need to book an appointment for your utility supplier to wire it up to your solar panels.
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..
KW per Hour Meter
As with the breaker panel, you will also have a KWH meter. The meter measures your electric usage and your bill is calculated based on the figures from this meter. So if you send power back to the grid, this will go in reverse.
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. Visit build a solar panel and learn all you need to know about building the right system for your house.
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