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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.

Don’t feel to intimidate by the options or complexity of the different systems it is really very simple. 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.

PV Solar Panels

Solar cells are placed in direct sunlight, and they transform daylight into electricity. They produce DC electric power in contrast to AC. Go crazy and build loads of solar panels because you can connect an unlimited amount together. Follow this link find out more about how to build a solar panel.

The panels are linked together inline. One follows the next one, a bit like a string of fairy lights in contrast to being connected together on an adhoc basis. With this design, it is very easy to add more panels as and when you build them.

DC (Direct Current) Disconnect

You want you solar panels connected to a Direct Current (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

A charge controller is very important to have if you are using batteries to store electricity. 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

Read up on the different types of batteries and get familiar with them. The type you need is deep cycle. These batteries are often used in forklift vehicles. 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. 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. You don’t want to work blind, they don’t cost very much are really worth their weight in gold.

Main Supply Direct Current (DC) Disconnect

You only need this if you have a battery backup as it turns of the electricity from them. You design the system so that it sits between your batteries and the AC DC inverter. This turns off the power from your batteries, which then allows you to undertake any preventative maintenance.

AC DC Inverter

Batteries and solar panels output 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.

Diesel Generator

There are various types of electric generators to choose from. If your home is off-grid then it is definitely worth considering adding one of these to your system. The electrical generator can provide a backup to your solar powered system should it be down for maintenance or if the batteries are low.

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. You have to get the electric company to come along and wire it up for you.

It makes sense really, if you get this bit wrong it can be very costly, and you don’t want to end up with the blame for anything.

Electric Meter

As with the breaker panel, you will also have a KWH meter. This is how you record how much electric is consumed within your home. You can also see how much you are sending back to the grid.

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. Visit build a solar panel and learn all you need to know about building the right system for your house.

Tags: DIY, Home, Home Improvement, solar energy, solar power