How Does The Various Items Of A DIY Photovoltaic Solar Powered System Perform Togther?

Did you know that there are 10 various parts that are required to make a complete solar powered system for your home? 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.

PV Solar Panels

These solar panels face the sun and convert the suns energy into power. Unfortunately, they produce DC power, so we have to change this to AC power. It doesn't matter how many solar cells or solar panels you connect together. Really, you want to connect as many as possible.

The panels are linked together inline. One follows the next one, a bit like a string of fairy lights in contrast to being connected together on an adhoc basis. 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

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

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.

Batteries

Be careful about what type of batteries you use to store electricity. The type you need is deep cycle. These batteries are often used in forklift vehicles. 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 put them outside, they need to be protected from the weather and covered. Furthermore, consider investing in a battery box which will help keep them at the optimum temperature.

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

If you have a battery bank then you will need a main Direct Current disconnect. You design the system so that it sits between your batteries and the AC DC inverter. This turns off the power from your batteries, which then allows you to undertake any preventative maintenance.

DC To AC Inverter

Batteries and solar panels output 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.

Diesel 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. A backup generator does not only secure your energy supply should something go wrong, it can also recharge your batteries during cloudy days or at night.

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. Only your electricity supplier is allowed to touch these panels. You have to get the electric company to come along and wire it up for you.

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

Every house with a utility electric supplier has an electric 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.

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 learn all you need to know about building the right system for your house.