Once you have built your solar panel array. The next step is to put them into a system which can use all the electricity which has been produced. So you either feed the electricity to the grid, store it in batteries or power your appliances. Before you start anything though, have it fixed in your mind’s eye exactly what it is you want to end up with. Make sure you design a system that will satisfy all your energy requirements.
Mobile Solar Powered Systems
This is the simplest of all the systems. The system comprises of a solar panel, charge controller, battery and an inverter.
Remember that as you make or purchase additional solar panels, these can be added to the system at a later date. The solar panel produces DC current. This needs to be converted to an AC current which is the job of the inverter.
Should you produce more electricity than you use then the excess electricity can be stored in deep cycle batteries. Not your normal car batteries.
On-Grid Solar Power Generator
If you currently have your electricity supplied by a utility company then give this type of setup very close consideration. In this system, you do not use batteries, you feed all unused electricity back to your utility supplier network. By sending electricity to the national grid, you can earn money because your electricity supplier is now paying you instead of you paying them.
If you think about it, it is so easy and cheap to build a solar panel. Let’s say you build a solar panel a week and over a year you built 40 of them. If you built 26 panels, this would probably be more than enough to cover not only your electricity bills but many other monthly as well.
Grid Tied Generator + Battery bank
However, it still may be prudent to have a battery backup with a grid tied system. Should you have a cloudy day, or at night when you are generating no power, what do you do then? The battery system will store any previously unused electricity and so instead of tapping power from the grid you use your batteries.
Solar Power generation With Off Grid Houses
If you live in part of the world where you have no direct electricity to your home then having a battery bank may prove very beneficial. By doing so you will not waste any of the electricity you have generated.
Batteries perform better when they are warm so it is wise to invest in a battery box and keep them in your garage. Not only does the battery box keep your batteries warm they also prevent them from being tampered by children or animals. Your dog would get a real shock if he decided to relieve himself up against a battery bank!
You may already have a generator to power your home. If you do, I suggest you connect this to your system as well, it can charge your batteries should they start to go flat.
Different Types of Solar Powered Systems For the Home
- Grid tied system without a battery bank
- Off grid system
- Grid tied systems
- Off grid setup + generator + battery bank
- Grid tied setup + battery bank
Read further about how to build a solar panel along with discovering and to earn money from producing power for your appliances visit build a solar panel.
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