Did you know that there are 10 various parts that are required to make a complete solar powered system for your home? 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.
Solar Cells
These solar panels face the sun and convert the suns energy into power. 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.
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.
DC (Direct Current) Disconnect
You want you solar panels connected to a Direct Current (DC) disconnect. You do not want to undertake any maintenance on your system while there is electricity flowing through it. The DC disconnect switches of the power generated by your solar panels.
Charge Controller
If you have a battery backup or a battery bank then a charge controller is a must have piece of equipment. This prevents your batteries from becoming over charged, which can damage them.
Batteries
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.
To get the best out of your batteries and to extend their working life, keep them at an ambient temperature. Do not expose them to the elements; keep them in a garage or some sheltered building. Furthermore, consider investing in a battery box which will help keep them at the optimum temperature.
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
The main DC disconnect is used to turn off the power from your battery. You want to locate it between your battery and your alternating current and direct current inverter. Like the solar panel disconnect, it is very handy for when you are carrying out maintenance on your system.
Alternating Current (AC) Direct Current (DC) Inverter
Solar panels and batteries produce a DC current. The problem is, many if not all your electrical gadgets in the home use an alternating 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. If your home is off-grid then it is definitely worth considering adding one of these to your system. The generator can produce electricity when there is no sun or when the batteries are run down.
AC Breaker Panel
The AC breaker panel switches off the flow of electricity either from the grid to your home or your home to the 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.
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..
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
The first step is to build a solar panel, after that we have to design a home electrical system for it to work with. Go to build a solar panel and discover how to build a complete system to power your home.
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