Go Solar Power For Homes

Did you know that there are 10 various parts that are required to make a complete solar powered system for your home? Depending on what type of system you want to implement will depend on whether you use some or all of them.

Don’t feel to intimidate by the options or complexity of the different systems it is really very simple. For example, we talk about having a diesel generator as a back-up system, but you don’t to have to start off with one, and you can add it at a later date if you think it is necessary.

Photovoltaic Solar Panels

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. With this design, it is very easy to add more panels as and when you build them.

DC Disconnect

The energy you produce flows to the 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.

Battery 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 Bank

Learn about the various types of batteries that are available. What you need are deep cycle batteries and these are commonly used by forklift truck manufactures. 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. If you don’t have room in the house for them, make them a shelter outside, never leave them exposed. The other thing you might want to think about is getting a battery box. They are great for protection and keeping batteries warm.

Solar System Meter

Your solar system meter is, in effect, your dashboard. It tells you the amount of electricity you are generating, consuming and how much is stored in your batteries. You don’t want to work blind, they don’t cost very much are really worth their weight in gold.

Main Supply DC Disconnect

You only need this if you have a battery backup as it turns of the electricity from them. 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

Both the battery bank and the solar cells generate a direct current. What we have to do is convert this DC current into an AC current. This is the job of the inverter to convert direct current to an alternating current.

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. 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.

AC Breaker Panel

The AC breaker panel is where you feed the electricity you produced back to the national grid. Every house has one of these; however, you are not allowed to touch it. 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..

Electric 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

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 get full instructions on how to put it all together.

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