How Does The Different Components Of A DIY Photovoltaic Solar Powered System Fit Together?

Did you know that there are 10 various parts that are required to make a complete solar powered system for your home? However, it doesn’t necessarily follow that you will have all the items built into your system. You can start off simple and add to it as your requirements change.

Just to emphasize that point. For example, if your home gets electricity from the national grid, it doesn’t mean you have to hook your system up to it if you don’t want to.

Solar Cells

The PV solar panels are positioned so they get maximum sunlight throughout the day, and they turn sunlight into solar electric power. They produce DC electric power in contrast to AC. 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. The more panels you have, the more energy you produce.

DC Disconnect

The energy you produce flows to the DC disconnect. This is a vital piece of kit as it switches off the electricity generated by your solar panels. This now allows to carryout maintenance on any other part of your 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. If you have a charge controller, this will protect your batteries from becoming over charged. Over charging will reduce the life of your batteries.

Batteries

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.

Batteries also perform better when they are warm. Do not expose them to the elements; keep them in a garage or some sheltered building. A battery box is also a good investment, they keep your batteries at a good temperature and also protect them from accidental damage.

Solar System Meter

A system meter is very useful for telling you how much electricity you are using and how much power is left in your batteries. If you don’t have one you do not know if you are producing enough electricity or not.

DC Disconnect to the Main Supply

If you have a battery bank then you will need a main Direct Current disconnect. You want to locate it between your battery and your alternating current and direct current inverter. Again it is very handy if you want to do any systems maintenance.

Alternating Current (AC) Direct Current (DC) Inverter

Both the battery bank and the solar cells generate a direct current. The problem is, many if not all your electrical gadgets in the home use an alternating current. This is the job of the inverter to convert direct current to an alternating current.

Petrol Generator

There are various types of electric generators to choose from. 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.

Alternating Current Breaker Panel

The AC breaker panel is where you feed the electricity you produced back to the national grid. Although all houses have them, only the electric company is allowed to wire them up. Which means, when you are ready, arrange for them to connect your solar energy system to the grid.

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

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.

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 get full instructions on how to put it all together.