Alternative Energy HQ solar power for homes, wind energy, and bio fuel issues
There are ten different components that make up a solar powered generating system. Depending on what type of system you want to implement will depend on whether you use some or all of them.
Just to emphasize that point. 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. 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.
Direct Current (DC) Disconnect
You want you solar panels connected to a Direct Current (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.
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.
Battery
Learn about the various types of batteries that are available. The type you need is deep cycle. These batteries are often used in forklift vehicles. Do not use car batteries.
Batteries also perform better when they are warm. If you don’t have room in the house for them, make them a shelter outside, never leave them exposed. Furthermore, consider investing in a battery box which will help keep them at the optimum temperature.
System Metering
A system meter is very useful for telling you how much electricity you are using and how much power is left 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
If you have a battery bank then you will need a main Direct Current disconnect. It is placed in-between your battery bank and your inverter. This turns off the power from your batteries, which then allows you to undertake any preventative maintenance.
Alternating Current (AC) Direct Current (DC) Inverter
Solar panels and batteries produce a DC current. However, all your appliances in your home use AC current. This is the job of the inverter to convert direct current to an alternating current.
Petrol Generator
You can get petrol and diesel powered 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.
Alternating Current Breaker Panel
The AC breaker panel is where you feed the electricity you produced back to the national grid. Only your electricity supplier is allowed to touch these panels. So you need to book an appointment for your utility supplier to wire it up to your solar panels.
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
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
The first step is to build a solar panel, after that we have to design a home electrical system for it to work with. Go to build a solar panel and discover how to build a complete system to power your home.
