How Does The Variuos Components Of A PV Solar Powered Electrical System Perform Togther?
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.
It doesn’t really matter where you start. Remember you can start with a simple system and then add to it over time, as and when your experience and knowledge increases.
Photovoltaic Solar Panels
Solar cells are placed in direct sunlight, and they transform daylight into electricity. They produce DC electric power in contrast to AC. 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.
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. 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. 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.
Electric 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
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.
Keep the batteries warm, that way they work better. 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 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. You don’t want to work blind, they don’t cost very much are really worth their weight in gold.
Main Supply DC Disconnect
The main DC disconnect is used to turn off the power from your battery. It is placed in-between your battery bank and your 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
Batteries and solar panels output 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.
Generator
Check out the many types of fossil fueled generators. If you live in a house that does not have an electric utility supplier then this is a good option to add to your system. 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 switches off the flow of electricity either from the grid to your home or your home to the grid. Only your electricity supplier is allowed to touch these panels. 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
All homes which are on-grid are fitted with a kilo watt hour 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
The first step is to build a solar panel, after that we have to design a home electrical system for it to work with. Visit build a solar panel and learn all you need to know about building the right system for your house.
on February 4th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
With sufficient battery back-up, we will even enjoy power after the sunset by using solar panels.