Off-Grid Solar Electric System Explained
November 29, 2009 by J Bobyn
Filed under Uncategorized
Do you dream of being energy-independent? Then living “off-grid” might be ideal for you. Most of those who live off grid are in remote locations where electric utility service is either not available or very expensive to connect. But a growing number of people are looking at it as a personal lifestyle option.
The Domestic Off-Grid Solar Power Update
There are a couple of important factors involved in living off-grid. First, you’ll need to learn how to use your electricity judiciously. You won’t have to do without it, but you don’t want to waste it, either.
It’s also important that you become familiar with your solar power system – how it works and what type of maintenence is required. It would be best if you become an expert on your particular system, so you can troubleshoot anything unexpected that comes up. Becoming an expert won’t be too difficult considering the large amount of available information on solar energy. However, it does require some time commitment on your part.
Typically, an off-grid system is made up of nine components
1. The photovoltaic array and mounting rack. Wikipedia describes the array as “a linked collection of photovoltaic modules, which are in turn made of multiple interconnected solar cells”. The mounting rack allows you to attach them the roof and point them toward the sun.
2. The array DC (direct current) disconnect. This acts as a “breaker” between the system and the array and allows you to disconnect the system to do troubleshooting or fix problems.
Third, the charge controller prevents the batteries from overcharging.
Fourth, the battery bank stores excess electricity. You will usually need sufficient batteries for 2-3 days worth of stored electricity in case of an overcast period.
Fifth, the system meter is like your car’s dashboard. It shows how the various components in your system are doing.
An Article on Off-Grid Solar Energy
6. The main DC disconnect. You will know this better as a breaker which is placed between the batteries and the inverter.
7. The inverter. This component converts the DC electricity that was generated by the solar cells into the AC (alternating current) electricity that powers your household appliances.
8. The breaker panel. This is the same kind of breaker panel that the electric company uses to connect your house wiring to its electrical source.
Ninth, your backup generator. A backup generator may become necessary if there is a stretch of cloudy days and you have used up the power that was stored in the batteries. Conventional fossil fuels can be used for your generator; however, if you’re maintaining a green lifestyle, you will want to use biodiesel.
Now that you’ve seen the components of the photovoltaic system, you can see why it’s not that complicated to become your own expert. Each component is pretty simple in and of itself. The only motorized parts are in the backup generator, and you hopefully won’t be using that very much.
