Solar Basics from Ben Ford of homemadeenergy.org

[jpf1030]

Hi JIM,

From time to time, it pays to revisit to the basics. So for this email, I want to review a few key elements you need to have in any electrical solar panel system.
A solar panel system is made up of more than just the solar panels. In addition to a series of solar panels and solar cells, a full solar system requires batteries, a voltage regulator, and inverter, and a cable system to connect all of the components.
Here is an overview of the components of an electrical solar system that you can use as a basis to select the right parts for your system:
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Solar Panels:

The solar panels are the devices that collect sunlight. These devices are mounted to receive direct sunlight and connect to the rest of the power system. The type of panels that you select will depend upon how much energy you need for your electrical devices. For example, if you need 55 Watts of energy to power an electrical device, you can either install a 60 Watt solar panel, or you can install two 28 Watt solar panels that connect to each other. Your space and budget requirements may determine which configuration is best for you. The energy that is generated by the panels is stored in the batteries that are connected to your solar panels.

Batteries:

The batteries for your solar panel system receive the energy that is collected by the solar panels. These batteries directly feed energy to your electrical equipment because batteries provide a higher electrical current than solar panels. The energy from solar panels can be stored in these batteries until you are ready to use it. When you shop for batteries, you’ll select your batteries based on which appliances you are powering with the batteries. Different batteries have different storage capacities. In general, the most cost-effective batteries are 12-Volt lead-acid car batteries.

Voltage Regulator:

You will need a voltage regulator for your solar panel system. The regulator ensures that your solar panels will not deliver more energy to you batteries than the batteries can handle. In doing so, the voltage regulator keeps the battery functioning optimally by shutting the battery down once it is fully charged. Every solar panel that produces more than 18 Watts should have a voltage regulator. You only need one regulator, even if you have multiple solar panels. 8 Amp regulators are generally good choices for most solar panel systems, but if you have a 150 Watt solar panel system, you will need a 12 Amp regulator.

Inverter:

The inverter converts the energy from the battery to energy that can be used through an AC outlet. Simply plug your appliances into the inverter to receive an electric current. It may be important to note that some inverters consume power, which will lower the overall power output received by the electrical appliances.

These are the main components of a solar panel system. Using this overview, you should be able to better select the right components for your solar panel system by having a better understanding of your system requirements.

To cleaner, more affordable power,
Ben Ford
Founder,
HomeMadeEnergy.org

[cassiopeia]

The sun’s energy or the solar energy is the most abundant form of energy available on earth. The sun is capable of giving us more than heat and light. The solar energy solution is gaining popularity amongst the alternate energy solutions. When you look at the solar energy solution, you will realize that it uses absolutely no fuel other than the sun’s light, with the help of the energy from the sun can be transform into electricity. Moreover, it does not release into the atmosphere anything harmful. It is the cheapest power solution, convenience of storage and low on maintenance.

[TobyBarnes]

[TobyBarnes]

[jpf1030]

Howdy Toby,
Thanks for your posting. Be sure to check out all sources on solar system components as the prices are coming down all the time. We have experimented with various components and suppliers. If you don't have to have pure sine wave inverters or want to have a back up to it to keep in a Faraday cage for replacement after an EMP, you can do as we have in buying some back-up modified sine wave inverters for a tenth the price of a high end pure sine wave inverter.
These will work fine for most all power needs short of super sensitive electronics, which items we may not have much of any concern with post EMP type event be it solar or nuclear blast. We have also experimented in using BatCap batteries and are very pleased with the results so far. Though the quality certainly varies, there are components out there for most every budget in those seeing the importance and need of a solar power back-up system...jpf

[Jake]

Toby wrote:"For example, if you need 55 Watts of energy to power an electrical device, you can either install a 60 Watt solar panel, or you can install two 28 Watt solar panels that connect to each other.'

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