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Small "Stand-Alone" Systems |
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| The small "Stand-Alone" system is an excellent system for providing electricity economically. These systems are used primarily for RV power, lighting, cabins, backup and portable power systems. The size of the photovoltaic array (number of solar panels) and battery will depend upon individual power requirements. The solar panels charge the battery during daylight hours and the battery supplies power to the inverter as needed. The inverter changes the 12 volt batteries DC power into 120 volt AC power, which is the most useful type of current for most applications. The charge controller terminates the charging when the battery reaches full charge, to keep the batteries from "gassing-out", which prolongs battery longevity. |
| "Grid-tie"
Solar Systems |
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A "Grid-tie" solar system is useful for homes that are already connected to the utility grid. The advantage of this type of system is the price reduction of utility. The system has to be wired with an inverter that produces pure-sine-wave AC electricity, which is necessary for connecting to the utility grid. Another advantage to this type of system are the tax incentives and rebates available from different state and local agencies. Owning a grid-tied system in California qualifies you for the State Buydown program, drastically reducing the overall system cost. Most of these systems typically do not have the battery storage that allows for power when the utility fails. Grid-tie system can be installed with battery backup power to keep critical loads operating in the event of a power failure. |
More Information
Complete
"Stand-Alone" Solar System
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| A Complete "Stand-Alone" solar system is useful for complete independence from fossil fuels and electric utility companies. The advantage to this type of system is its ability to provide power away from the utility grid, and to create a measure of self independence. A complete stand-alone home solar system will typically have 2 inverters to supply the AC house current necessary to power large loads such as air conditioners. Having a second inverter helps to insure that power is available when one of the inverters eventually requires servicing. These self contained systems need a sizable battery storage capacity to provide electricity when solar power is unavailable due to prolonged adverse weather conditions. A complete stand-alone solar system will usually require at least 20 solar panels to keep the batteries at a safe and proper state of charge. Typically this type of system is most cost effective when the system is located away from the utility grid. |
"Hybrid"
- Solar Electric and Generator Combination System
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| The "Hybrid" - Solar Electric and Generator Combination provides a reliable power source, and produces electricity even when the sun is not providing solar power. These "hybrid" systems have the ability to charge the battery bank and provide electricity when weather conditions are unfavorable for solar power production. An advantage to this type of system is the reduction of solar panels (PV array) necessary to supply power, which makes this system an economical alternative to a larger "Stand-Alone" system. When more power is needed than the solar panels are producing, a gasoline, propane or diesel generator is activated. The generator will provide enough power to overcome the difference between solar power available and the electricity you require. This type of system is used for cabins, remote homes and is a common system used to provide power for small medical facilities in third world countries. |
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