An Explanation of the Off-Grid Solar Electric System
Do you dream of being energy-independent? Then living “off-grid” might be ideal for you. Many people who are off grid live in rural areas where electric power service is not even available. But a growing number of people are looking at it as a personal lifestyle choice.
The Home Off-Grid Solar Energy Update
There are a couple of important factors to think about involving living off-grid. First, you need to become more conscious of how and when you use your electricity. You want to be careful not to waste it.
It’s also important that you learn all you can about your solar energy system – how it functions and what kind of maintenence is required. It would be best if you become an expert on your particular system, so you can fix any problem that comes up. Becoming an “pro” is not too difficult to do because there is so much information on solar power readily available. However, it does require some time commitment on your part.
An off-grid system typically consists 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 perform troubleshooting or fix problems.
Third, the charge controller prevents the batteries from overcharging.
Fourth, the battery bank stores excess electricity. Because there will be cloudy periods when sunlight is unable to reach your solar cells, you will need about 2 to 3 days worth of stored electricity
5. The system meter. The system meter is like your car dashboard. It shows how the various components in your system are performing.
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6. The main DC disconnect. This acts as a breaker and is found between the inverter and the batteries.
Seventh, is the inverter. This component converts the DC electricity that was generated by the solar cells into the AC (alternating current) electricity that can run your household appliances.
Eighth, the AC breaker panel. This is the same type of breaker panel the power company would use.
Ninth, your backup generator. This is in case you have a period of cloudy days that outlast the electricity stored in the batteries. You can use traditional fossil fuels, but you’ll probably want to use biodiesel to maintain your green lifestyle.
As you can see, each component is relatively simple in and of itself. The only motorized parts are in the backup generator (which you hopefully won’t have to use much). Now that you’ve examined the components of the solar energy system, you can see why it’s not too complicated to become your own expert.
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