Off-Grid Solar Power 3 in 1
Off-Grid Solar Power 3 in 1
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Table of Contents
GEORGE BAILEY
Chapter 1
To fully understand Off-Grid Solar Power and how to install a system for your home, RV, or cabin, we have to
begin from the obvious, which is the basics of solar energy. Off-grid solar relies on the abundance of free solar
energy, which can meet energy demands with minimal impacts on the environment.
Information on the United States Department of Energy Website reveals that the Increased deployment of solar
energy systems offers a wide range of benefits for the country. Solar energy is the cleanest source of energy
available worldwide. This makes it useful not just for domestic use but even for other broader applications as a
contributor to economic growth, job creation, and climate change mitigation which is its major selling point.
The solar potential throughout the United States is quite impressive. Installing PV panels in as little as 0.6% of the
country’s total land area could potentially power the entire nation. More locally, it is possible to install a system in
your home, RV, cabin, and other small structures either as a supplement to power from the grid or as a standalone
power source that is off the grid. These factors make solar energy an attractive choice not just for its environmental
prospects but also for its economic potentials.
One of the factors that account for the growing popularity of solar energy is the cost of installation that continues to
drop as solar technology further improves. Solar power is becoming rapidly popular as a renewable energy source
in various nations of the world. The reduced costs are part of why solar panels are visible almost everywhere you
go. You’d spot PV panels as you drive by homes, businesses, and other structures. The growth of the industry is
expected to boom further as the years roll by. At this rate, International Energy projects that solar power would
become the world’s major source of electricity by 2050.
Although solar power has taken a very much established role today in our effort to produce and use clean energy, it
hasn’t always been this way. Photovoltaics have a long history which reveals how the concept of solar power has
evolved over the years to the point it currently is. Over the years, the cost of solar energy has reduced and even
more considerably in the past decades. This can be attributed to advancements in the technology behind PV systems
and their design. 15 years ago. Let’s take a quick look at the history of solar energy to appreciate where we are now
in silicon solar technology.
Early Days of Solar Energy
Theoretically, man has been harnessing solar energy since as early as the 7th century B.C. However, these earliest
forms were quite rudimentary. Many ancient civilizations used a magnifying glass to concentrate solar energy on
light tires. The Romans and Greek, for instance, used these solar mirrors to light torches for religious purposes.
These burning mirrors were also documented in Chinese civilization. Around 212 BC, Archimedes, the Greek
scientist, was reported to have used the reflective properties of bronze shield to concentrate sunlight on wooden
Roman Ships and set fire on them when they besieged Syracuse forcing a retreat.
Another common use of solar energy in ancient times is in the concept of sunrooms (which is still well known
today). These are rooms with massive windows designed to focus sunlight into an area. It is believed that Roman
bathhouses had such south-facing windows, which essentially made them specially heated sunrooms.
Later on, in the 1200s AD, it is believed that some native American tribes like the Anasazi tribe built south-facing
abodes on cliffs which were effective for capturing the sun’s warmth during the cold winter months.
It wasn’t till the 16th and 17th centuries that more sophisticated systems became more popular. Swiss scientist
Horace de Saussure developed the first solar-powered oven. Solar panels were not invented until several years later,
but this milestone marked a major turning point in the application of solar energy
The Invention of Solar Panels
It is important to note that the development of solar panel technology in the current form as we know it required
contributions from various scientists over the years. Hence, there have been debates and uncertainties about when
solar panels were actually created and who should be credited for the invention.
Many people consider Edmond Becquerel as the inventor of the solar cell. The French scientist was the first to
discover the photovoltaic effect, which explains how electricity generation can be increased when two metallic
electrodes are placed on a conducting solution. This discovery in 1869 proved quite instrumental in the
development of selenium-powered PV cells later.
Later in 1873, Willoughby Smith discovered the photoconductive power of Selenium. Leveraging on this discovery,
William Grylls Adams and Richard Evans Day discovered the potential of selenium to create electricity on
exposure to sunlight. Some years later, the first solar cells made with selenium wafers were invented by Charles
Fritts in 1883 and are commonly attributed as the inventor of solar cells.
Credit for inventing the solar cell, as we know it now, is widely given to three people – Gerald Pearson, Calvin
Fuller, and Daryl Chapin. Today, Silicon is used to make PV cells, not selenium. Those three scientists invented the
PV cell in 1954 at the Bells Laboratory and, for the first time in living memory, we could harness the sun’s rays and
use them to power our devices for several hours each day. However, these early solar cells were not terribly
efficient, converting sunlight at only 4% efficiency. That’s just 25% of the power modern PV cells are capable of.
Early solar panels were primarily used in space to power satellites. In 1958, the radios on the Vanguard I satellite
were powered by a single one-watt solar panel. PV solar cells were also used on other satellites, such as the
Sputnik-3, Explorer, and Vanguard II, and, in 1964, NASA powered their Nimbus spacecraft with a series of solar
arrays totaling 470-watts.
The first residence to be powered by solar was built in 1973. The University of Delaware unveiled the building
named the Solar One in 1973. It was the first instance of a building integrated photovoltaic system that ran on a
hybrid of solar PV power and solar thermal power. This building did not use solar panels, but the solar panels were
integrated directly into the rooftop.
But the earliest solar panels were widely inefficient, and they could not be adopted on a large scale immediately.
Major milestones in solar conversion efficiency were achieved between 1957 and 1960. During this time, Hoffman
Electronics made a wide range of discoveries as far as the efficiency of PV cells was concerned, which marked a
major turning point for the technology. The development saw a record increase in efficiency of the solar cells,
jumping from 8% to as much as 14%. Later on, in 1985, the University of South Wales achieved an efficiency of
20% in solar cells.
Over time, there has been even more improvement in the design of PV cells, which made it possible to achieve
higher conversion efficiency. For instance, research at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory Yielded solar
cells with as much as 33.3% efficiency in 1999. The University of Wales later broke this record in 2016, when
researchers were able to achieve a 34.5% efficiency. However, it is important to note that these were just laboratory
tests and not commercial-scale productions.
The increased efficiency has also caused the cost of solar power to reduce over time. Over the past decades, the
prices of PV solar cells have dropped significantly. This has led to a surge in consumer demand that continues to
drive the industry. As of 2015, more than one million installations were carried out in the US.
Solar panels used to cost up to $300/watt. This figure dropped to just a little above $100/watt by 1976. In more
recent times, the cost of installing a solar panel is now as low as $0.50 a watt. This reduction in cost and other
benefits of solar energy as a clean energy source accounts for the growing popularity of solar power as a reliable
energy source.
Chapter 3
Energy from the sun is in the form of light and heat. While photovoltaics use light energy to generate electricity,
other solar technologies harness the thermal potentials of the sun for power generation. Some of these have been
mentioned briefly in chapter one of this book. This chapter will explain two of these solar technologies, how they
work, and their respective applications as an alternative energy source.
The solar collector harnesses heat from solar radiation and transmits it as heat to potable water in the tank through
fluid in the insulated piping. The heated water is collected in the hot water tank for storage when necessary. in some
cases, the tank may also be connected to regular heating systems as a possible backup.
From this mechanism, you can see that solar water heater collectors differ considerably from photovoltaic modules
(PV modules). While PV cells produce electricity, solar heat collectors harness thermal energy. Different types of
solar collectors may include evacuated tube collectors, flat plate collectors, thermosiphon units, concentrating
collectors, and Integral Collector Storage (ICS) systems. However, the most common types are flat plate collectors
connected to copper pipes fixed to an absorber plate and housed in an insulated box with a cover plate made from
polymer or tempered glass.
But perhaps the most efficient type of solar water heating collectors have evacuated tube units. These consist of
rows of parallel “evacuated” glass tubes (containing no air). This makes them highly efficient as heat insulators for
the fluid that runs in the tube. These types of collectors are known for their ability to deliver higher volumes of hot
water and are also used in solar air heating systems where a higher temperature is desired.
Solar Air Technology
The second category of solar heating and cooling system is Solar air systems. This type of system harnesses solar
thermal energy for domestic, industrial, and commercial applications. To put it simply, solar air technology captures
solar energy to heat up the air in a space. This technology can potentially address one of the most important energy
usage needs in buildings.
Unlike PV systems and solar water heating systems that tend to be mounted on the roof, solar air heating systems
are usually wall mounted. This allows them to capture an optimal amount of solar radiation. The collectors used for
this technology are specially perforated solar panels typically installed on the south-facing walls of a building. They
are installed to create a cavity that helps to heat up air from the top of the wall to as much as 30 to 100 degrees
above ambient temperature on sunny days. The heated air is then transmitted into the building through ducts
connected to the HVAC system.
Variations to this system may also exist. For instance, in colder climates with a high likelihood of freezing
temperature, an indirect system is commonly used, which involves heating an anti-freeze solution in the solar
collector. This solution is then circulated in the water tank to boil the water via heat exchange. The cooled
antifreeze is then returned to the solar collector, where it is heated again.
Another variation to this system is what is known as a drain-back system. In this, water is used as the transmitting
fluid instead of an anti-freeze solution. In this case, the water is held in the solar collector and is allowed to drain
back to the holding where the water is to be used. No matter the type or design of the solar water heating system in
use, a well-designed solar water heater can supply as much as 80% of the hot water needs in a standard building.
Solar Photovoltaic + Thermal Technology
These are also known as PVT panels and include both a solar photovoltaic and thermal system. This type of
enhanced solar PV panel serves a dual purpose of generating electricity while also serving home water heating
needs. In this case, only one modified solar module is used for both purposes. This helps to save on valuable roof
space.
The water heating components of PVT collectors also serve the purpose of cooling the electrical photovoltaic
component. This helps to improve the efficiency of the PV cells for electricity generation. PVT modules can
produce as much as 20% more electricity because of this design. They range in size from small domestic modules to
larger arrays for industrial-scale applications.
Key limitations of Concentrating Solar Power Plants and Solar Water Heaters
Although concentrating solar power plants are quite energy-efficient, they are only suited for commercial and
industrial applications. This is because there are basic requirements needed to install and operate these systems that
may limit their application for domestic power generation.
Cost: the major issue with utility-scale energy generation is financing. Concentrating Solar Power plants tend to be
expensive to set up, which is why they are mostly suited for industrial-scale usage.
They are best suited for areas with high solar radiation: utility-scale solar modules are best installed in areas with
high solar radiation potentials. This is measured by a concept known as Direct Normal Irradiance, which is the
measure of the amount of solar radiation a surface receives per unit area. This varies from one region to the other.
For instance, the US southwest has the highest potential for large-scale energy production. While DNI may also
impact small-scale solar PV installations, the effect is not as pronounced as that of large-scale systems.
Large land areas with limited cloud cover: another likely limitation for CSP systems is that they operate most
efficiently when built on large land areas with low cloud cover. While the land requirement may vary by
technology, between 2 -5 acres of land will be needed per MW of electricity.
Proximity to water resources: water is an essential requirement for every thermal power plant, including CSP
systems. Asides from water to power steam engines, water may also be needed to cool the system and to wash
mirror surfaces or collectors for optimum efficiency.
Available and proximate transmission access – large-scale solar power plants are also best suited on land with easy
connection to transmission grids. This will require proximity to high voltage transmission lines to make it easier to
transmit the electricity generated to the end-users who will use them.
Some of these limitations make the installation of off-grid solar systems are much preferable option, especially for
personal use cases. While large-scale utility installations like CSPs will still be required. Individuals can make a
switch to either grid-tied or off-grid systems to sustain their domestic energy usage. The next chapter will discuss
the third type of solar technology infrastructure, which is photovoltaics.
Chapter 4
Photovoltaics
Photovoltaic (PV) modules are designed to generate electricity from sunlight. It leverages an electronic process that
occurs naturally in some types of materials (notably semiconductors). The electrons in these materials are freed by
solar energy, and they can be made to travel through a circuit for storage in a battery or to power electrical devices.
Depending on the size and design of the system, photovoltaics can be used to power anything from small electronic
devices to entire homes or even large commercial spaces.
Types of Photovoltaics
There are different types and models of photovoltaic panels manufactured by different companies. Most of the solar
panels available today for residential solar systems are categorized into three groups. these are:
monocrystalline solar panels
Polycrystalline solar panels
Thin-film solar panels.
Each of these PV cell types has a unique set of features which makes them better suited for some types of
installations than others. In this chapter, we will take a closer look at each of these types of solar cells.
Monocrystalline Solar Panel
The most popular type of solar panels for residential rooftop solar installations is Monocrystalline solar panels.
Although they tend to be more expensive, they are preferred for their higher efficiency and aesthetic appearance.
This is one major reason why people prefer this type of solar panel. The cells that make up monocrystalline panels
are black-colored single flat panels. Monocrystalline panels can be identified by the unique shape of the silicon
wafers.
Monocrystalline PV panels derive their names from the way they are manufactured. Individual cells have a silicon
wafer made of one silicon crystal which is why they are called monocrystalline. The crystal used to create the
silicon wafer is formed through a process known as the Czochralski method. This method involves placing a “seed”
crystal in a vat that contains high-temperature pure molten silicon.
The seed silicon is then drawn up before it cools, and molten silicon is formed around it to form one crystal. This
large crystal is an ingot that can be cut into thin wafers used to produce solar cells. Typically, a single panel of
monocrystalline PV can have between 60 to 72 solar cells. However, most of the panels used for residential
installations have 60 cells.
Performance and Efficiency
Monocrystalline solar panels are generally considered the most efficient of all types of PV solar panels. They also
have a very high power capacity. The efficiency of these types of solar panels can range between 17-22%.
The structure of monocrystalline solar cells is what accounts for this higher efficiency. Because this type of solar
cell is manufactured from a single silicon crystal, electrons find it easier to flow through the cells compared to the
other types.
The fact that monocrystalline panels have higher efficiency means that you need fewer cells to achieve a given
power capacity. The same size of monocrystalline panel as other types will naturally have a higher output rating
than a thin film module or polycrystalline cell.
In essence, you will need a smaller array of monocrystalline panels to achieve the same power capacity as a
polycrystalline solar panel. This is why they are ideal for homes and other structures with small roof space. This
knowledge will come in handy in choosing the right kind of solar panels for your RV, cabin, or boat.
However, the major limitation of monocrystalline panels is that they cost more compared to other types of panels
due to the way they are manufactured. Their higher power rating also means they are naturally considered premium
products. Most of the higher-end solar panel models, such as LG NeON solar panels and the SunPower X-series,
are monocrystalline.
Generally, monocrystalline solar panels tend to cost up to $0.05/watt more than polycrystalline units. However, as
the manufacturing process of these modules continues to improve, the cost gap between these different types of
cells continues to shrink.
Polycrystalline Solar Panel
Polycrystalline solar cells (or multi-crystalline panels) are the popular choice for those looking for a low-cost solar
system installation. However, this comes at a price of lower efficiency are less aesthetic appearance.
The major physical distinction between monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels is that individual cells do not
have cut-off corners. Hence, they do not have the white spaces on the front of the panels that give monocrystalline
panels their signature appearance. Also, polycrystalline modules tend to have a blue color that is not so attractive.
The process of manufacturing polycrystalline solar panels is similar to that of a monocrystalline cell. It also
involves placing a seed crystal inside molten silica. However, instead of pulling out the silicon seed crystals like the
case of monocrystalline panels, the whole vat is allowed to cool. This leads to the formation of multiple crystals
(hence the name polycrystalline. The blue marbled color of polycrystalline solar panels is a result of this
manufacturing process. Like Monocrystalline modules, polycrystalline panels also tend to contain between 60 to 72
cells.
Performance and Efficiency
The multiple layers of silicon crystals in polycrystalline solar cells make it more difficult for electrons to flow
through them compared to monocrystalline cells. This makes polycrystalline panels less efficient, with an efficiency
rating of about 15 to 17%. However, recent advancements in solar technology have been favoring polycrystalline
panels, as well as they have become more efficient in recent years. Still, they generally have a lower output rating
than monocrystalline panels.
The cheaper cost is the major factor that makes polycrystalline cells popular. They cost less to produce compared to
monocrystalline panels. This makes them a more popular choice for residential installations, especially for
homeowners looking for low-budget solar solutions. However, it is important to note that while polycrystalline
panels are cheaper, the difference is not very much. Also, the fact that their performance ratings are lower means
monocrystalline panels will save you more in terms of cost in the long run.
Thin-Film Solar Panel
Thin-film solar panels are completely different from the other two types of solar panels. However, they are cheap,
flexible, and lightweight. They tend to have very low efficiency and a short life expectancy. Hence, they are
typically not your best option for a home PV solar system.
They are typically a solid black color and do not come with the typical silicon cell outline that you’re likely to see
on crystalline solar panels. Their lightweight design means this type of solar panel is relatively easier to install. As a
result, they are more popularly used for large-scale installations such as industrial solar plants and utility operations.
Thin-film panels are produced by a process that involves depositing a layer of photovoltaic substance on a solid
surface (usually glass). Photovoltaic substances that are typically used for this process may include Silicon
(amorphous Silicon), copper, indium gallium selenide, cadmium telluride, and Dye-sensitized solar cells.
The type of material used will determine the type of solar panel that will be formed and their characteristics.
However, solar panels manufactured this way are generally classified as thin-film solar cells. They are known for
being lightweight and flexible. However, the downside of this manufacturing process is that they are generally not
as efficient as the crystalline panels.
Performance and Efficiency
Thin-film solar panels are generally the least efficient of the different types of solar panels around. Commercially
available thin-film panels have an efficiency rating of between 10 to 13%. However, more recent advancements
have seen researchers produce panels of this type with a rating of 23.4%. But they are only prototypes and not
available in commercial quantity yet.
The lower output rating of these types of panels means you will need to install more of these panels to generate the
same quantity of electrical power as the polycrystalline or monocrystalline panels. Hence, they are not usually used
for residential installations due to limited roof space. Instead, they are better suited for large-scale installations such
as industrial solar projects or even utility projects where more PV panels can be connected to achieve greater energy
returns.
Another common limitation is that this type of panel is not as durable as the other panel types. They degrade
quickly, have a shorter lifespan and need to be replaced quickly.
However, thin-film units are the cheapest solar panel installation options. The installation process for this type of
panel is also simpler, which further reduces how much will be spent on the installation. The lower cost and
simplicity of the installation process are why they are preferred for large-scale projects where installing poly, or
monocrystalline panels will require more time and energy.
The highlighted characteristics of each of these solar systems will be instrumental in determining the right type of
solar panel to be installed for your home. Generally, thin-film panels are not the ideal choice for residential due to
their low efficiency. While they are cheaper, you will need more space to produce sufficient electricity for your
domestic use.
This leaves you with either monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels. Monocrystalline panels remain the most
efficient option for residential solar panel installations. They also have sleeker aesthetics compared to
polycrystalline units. However, they tend to cost higher. Hence, they may not be a viable option if you are on a
budget.
Materials Used in Photovoltaics
Another important consideration in designing photovoltaic systems and choosing the right type of solar panel for
your installation is in the material the unit is made of. This is because the materials of the PV cells will impact the
efficiency, durability, and other qualities of the PV solar panels.
There are four common materials used in the manufacture of photovoltaics:
c-Si – Crystalline Silicon
a-Si – Amorphous Silicon
GaAs – Gallium Arsenide
Soluble Platinum – Organometallics
Installation of
Off-Grid Solar Systems (A Summary)
Installing an off-grid solar system means you intend to meet your home's energy needs from using solar power
alone with no connection to the electrical grid. Many homeowners install solar systems as supplementary power
sources to reduce how much they spend on conventional electricity.
In this case, the solar system only takes up a part of the electricity need of the home while the rest is supplemented
with traditional electricity. Solar systems connected to the grid only need to supply power during peak periods
while you can fall back to regular electricity at night.
Installing an off-grid system means your solar power installation needs to produce sufficient energy to handle all
your electricity needs. It also means your solar installation must be paired with a solar battery or other energy
storage system. This stores the electricity produced during peak periods so it can be available for use at night or
during times of the year when the available sunlight isn’t enough to power your home continuously.
An off-grid solar installation used to be a fringe theory at some point, mainly due to the high cost of such an
installation and the high space requirement. However, advancement in solar technology over the years has lowered
costs drastically. Also, solar installations have become a lot more efficient, making it possible for smaller arrays to
supply enough power. These factors have favored the popularity of solar installations that can operate entirely off
the electrical grid. Hence, off-grid solar installations have become a fairly common sight in many homes. They are
also commonly used in spaces with limited electricity consumption needs such as cabins, vans, RVs, and so on.
The modularity and scalability of off-grid solar systems are among their many advantages. They tend to be flexible
and can be adapted for a wide range of uses depending on the intended purpose. Off-grid systems can be used for
homes of all sizes, and large-scale modules can even be used to power industrial facilities and factories. Some of
the possible uses of an off-grid solar system include
Powering portable devices like mobile phones and laptops and small home appliances
Providing electricity to power appliances in an RV home
Providing electricity for a small cabin
Generating electricity to power appliances on a boat
Powering energy-efficient homes
It is important to note that installing an off-the-grid solar system would make no sense in places where utility power
is readily available such as a home in the city or urban center. In such cases, you are better off with a grid-tied
system and may even benefit from metering (a system that pays you for supplying electricity to the grid). However,
if you live in a small town or city suburb where access to utility power is limited, or need a power supply on a
makeshift home, such as a cabin in the woods, RV, or boat, then opting for an off-grid system would make
economic sense.
Installing an off-grid solar system still requires a lot of work and planning. This chapter will provide an overview of
what the entire process of designing and installing an off-grid system might look like and how you can begin
planning one. Many of the points covered here will be discussed in greater detail in subsequent chapters.
The solar arrays generate electricity that flows to the charge controller. From here, the electricity generated flows to
the battery, where it is stored. Electricity also flows to the inverter, which converts direct current to Alternating
current, which is the usable form of electricity for your appliances.
In subsequent chapters, we will cover how all of these components work together to ensure a steady and consistent
supply of electricity for your home.
This is the first thing to do – work out your total usage. List every appliance you will want to use in your home,
along with an estimation of how long you will be using each one in hours per day. Add it all together, and you can
estimate roughly what your kWh per day will be. Once you know this, you can work it out monthly and yearly and
design the right-sized solar system, including batteries for storage.
Calculate instantaneous load requirements
The next thing to calculate is instantaneous load. This is entirely dependent on how many appliances you are likely
to be running at the same time. This is an important step in determining your inverter’s minimum wattage
requirements – as this is a critical part of your system, you must not miss this step out.
Battery Storage Capacity
Next, you have to decide on the capacity of the battery storage you are opting for. This depends on various factors,
including how much backup power you intend to have. Do your battery that only handles your daily requirement or
one with high backup capacity. Generally, the common recommendation is to go for backup storage that can serve
your needs for at least 2 to 3 days during the peak usage time of year.
Based on the information you have from your calculations from steps 1 to 3 above, you should be able to design
your system. In addition, these factors will help you determine the sizes of the solar panel, inverter, and battery,
which are the three most essential components of your off-grid solar system.
You will also find this calculation helpful in determining how much your off-grid solar system would cost. The cost
of installing an off-grid system can be as little as $50 for simple systems that only charge phones or tablets or run
into thousands of dollars for fully standalone systems. How much you spend depends on the specific application
you have in mind for the system based on some of the calculations mentioned above. The cost of installing a
completely off-grid system that can power an entire home can range between $12,000 to $50,000, depending on the
output expected and the various components of the system.
Estimating Photovoltaic Solar Panel Sizing for Your Off-Grid System
The solar panel is arguably the most important component of any solar system. Therefore, when you plan your off-
grid solar installation, one thing you need to figure out is the correct size of the photovoltaic module that needs to
be installed on your roof to generate the amount of power you’ll need to power your home, cabin, or RV.
Averagely, an American home can expect to install anything between 21 to 34 solar panels if you will cover
electricity usage for an entire month. This type of setup will give up at least 369 square feet of solar panels.
This kind of setup is projected to produce up to 877-kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity (using 280watt solar
panels). This is the average monthly electricity usage for households in the United States from the U.S. Energy
Information Administration data.
However, for a more accurate picture of the exact sizing of solar panels you will need for your home, more accurate
calculations will have to be carried out based on a wide range of factors.
Factors That Determine the Number of Solar Panels Your Home Will Need
In the previous chapter, I mentioned how estimating your electricity usage will help in determining the sizing of the
various components of your off-grid solar system. However, it is important to note that your electricity usage is
only half of the picture. Other factors influence the number of solar panels that you will need to install to provide
sufficient power. Some of these factors asides from the estimation from your monthly bill include:
The average amount of sunlight in your local area: the amount of sunlight received by different
geographical areas vary from place to place. An area that receives more sunlight will generally
require fewer solar panels than an area that receives a smaller amount of radiation. Generally,
locations in the US southwest get more solar radiation than other parts of the country.
The wattage of the solar panel you purchase: another factor that determines how much energy you
can get from your solar setup is the wattage of the solar panel. This will be included in planning for
your solar system installation.
Chapter 6
Designing/Planning an
Off-Grid Solar System
An off-grid solar power system is an independent and fully self-sufficient power supply system that can handle the
basic power needs of a house, cabin, or any other place it is installed. Such a self-sustaining system typically has a
different design from a regular grid-tied solar system.
The off-grid solar system comprises different components, including a solar panel, solar charge controller, an off-
grid inverter, and batteries. The solar panels (solar cells) are connected to a charge controller. This produces and
supplies the energy to meet daily needs and routes the extra power to be stored in batteries for use when the sun
goes down or during cloudy or overcast days.
Designing an off-grid PV installation is typically different and comparatively more complex compared to a regular
grid-connected system. In the case of the off-grid system, you have to consider various factors, including the load
capacity the system will be handling, daily electricity consumption, local climatic conditions, and other factors. In
this chapter, we’ll cover the basics of designing your own off-grid solar system beginning with site assessment and
planning the project itself.
Site Assessment
In the installation of a solar photovoltaic system for any type of structure, one of the first things to do during the
planning stage of your project is to assess the proposed site and determine the ideal place and position for the panel.
This is one of the most crucial steps in designing a PV solar system since your findings in this stage of the project
will determine how the other components of the system will be installed. Three very important aspects of site
assessment are shade analysis, tilt angle, and sun hours
Shade Analysis
Carrying out shade analysis is one of the most basic steps in planning a PV solar installation. PV systems typically
generate electricity through a process known as the photovoltaic effect. This system relies on sunlight knocking
electrons off the surface of the material of the solar cells. Therefore, when the solar cells do not receive enough
sunlight due to an obstruction shading the installation, the amount of electricity the unit will generate will be
drastically reduced. This is why carrying out shade analysis before installation is necessary.
Some of the objects that may obstruct sunlight from getting to your solar cells include nearby objects like trees,
poles, or antennas. Self-shading may also occur from other solar panel rows. Other factors such as the terrain,
orientation of the panel, and so on can also cause a shading effect.
Effects of Shading on the Output of a PV System
The effects of shading on the efficiency of a solar panel installation can be quite enormous. Generally, one would
expect that the output of a PV system will reduce proportionally based on the shaded areas. So, for instance, if just
one cell out of 36 in a solar module is shaded, one would expect only a 2.7% decrease in efficiency. But this is not
the case. In fact, having just one cell shaded can lead to as much as a 75% decrease in solar power output.
The reason why there is such a drastic reduction in output due to a small area being shaded can be likened to the
effects of introducing a clog into a water pipe. This clog, no matter how minimal, will impede the flow of water and
reduce output. Similarly, suppose a solar cell is shaded. In that case, the flow of current through the solar cells will
be reduced significantly since each cell within the system has been set up to deliver at an output level similar to the
shaded cell's current. The shaded cell (cells) would form a weak link that would reduce the power supplied by the
entire solar setup.
Considering how much of a dramatic effect a shaded portion of your PV setup can have on the entire panel, it is
important to carry out a shade analysis before proceeding with the installation. When designing a PV system, there
is a need to investigate the factors that contribute to shading in order to ensure that the solar setup delivers
maximum output.
I can’t emphasize this enough. Solar panels need a full view of the sun. Installing an off-grid PV system for your
cabin in the wood may seem like a great idea, but it is not always a good thing when tree canopies will block off all
the sunshine. This is why you should double-check the location and determine if the surrounding trees, buildings,
and other structures will not shade the site of your solar installation.
You should pay attention to the effects of shading during different times of the day and various seasons of the year.
For instance, a deciduous tree close to your cabin will lose most of its leaves during winter. Therefore, there is a
good chance that such a tree does not shade your solar array during winter. But it would definitely be a problem
during other seasons of the year. You should also watch out for evergreen trees. These are a problem all year round.
Additionally, you should consider future development. A tree sapling today can become a major problem down the
line.
Usually, asides from all these inspections and checks, a device known as a Solar Pathfinder is often used to
determine the amount of shading in a particular location. Using this device to carry out a shade assessment will
guide you in determining the ideal location of your PV installation.
Sun Hours
Another aspect of site assessment for solar installation projects is the sun hours of an area. This involves
determining if you receive enough sunlight in your area for a PV installation. Like shading, all your plans for an
off-grid system may fall apart after this assessment, and you may have to opt for a grid-tied system or simply stick
to regular utility power.
The term “peak sun hour” is often used to define the hour of the day with the highest intensity of sunlight (solar
irradiances) produces an average of 1,000 watts (W) of energy per square meter. One peak sun hour is equivalent to
1000 W/m² of sunlight.
The peak sun hour represents a whole lot of sunlight. In fact, in most places, solar panels will only get that amount
of sunlight when they are facing the sun directly at midday when the sun’s radiation is at its strongest.
However, we know for a fact that the sun does not shine like this all day long. Instead, the intensity of sunlight your
solar panels get will rise and fall through the day, depending on the time of day and the weather.
For example, early in the day and later in the afternoon, the sun is not so strong, and you will probably receive a
sunlight level lower than 500 W/m2. Conversely, during the sunniest part of the day, you would get over 1000
W/m2. This is a big variation and, to balance it out, we express the total amount of sunlight per day as the peak
sunlight. For example, if the average sunlight for a specific morning hour is approximately 500 W/m2, it is
expressed as 0.5 peak hours. When the sun is at its highest, around midday, solar radiation peaks at about 1100
W/m2 for an hour, which is expressed as 1.1 peak hours.
Using this as a basis for your calculations, you can express the total sunlight received over a day in terms of the
peak hour. For example, if your region gets 6,650 W/m2 per day, it receives approximately 6.65 peak sun hours.
This concept of peak sun hours was developed to make it possible to measure the amount of sunlight that a solar
panel installed in a given location would get. This way, you can estimate the expected energy production of the
solar panel is installed in that location.
In essence, by finding out the peak sun hour in your location, you can have an idea of how much electricity a PV
installation in your location will generate and determine if installing one is worth it as well as the size of the system
that will be most fitting for you.
Thanks to advances in technology, you do not need to estimate these figures on your own. There are readily
available data online from NASA and the NREL that provides information about the average peak sun hours across
different states.
Checking the figures for your state will give you an idea of how many peak hours you are likely to get in your
location. Some of the states with the highest peak sun hours include Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and California.
Conversely, some of the states with scanty figures for sun hours in the United States include Alaska, Michigan,
Indiana, Washington, and Ohio.
So how many peak sun hours would be ideal for an off-grid solar installation?
Generally, any area that gets up to 4 peak solar hours or more can be considered a good location to install a PV
solar system. However, this isn’t to say other areas with less peak sun hours cannot benefit from solar installation
since there are many other factors to consider, such as your intended energy consumption, electricity rates, and the
availability of solar incentives. These are factors that determine the viability of an off-grid solar system in your
specific location.
It is also important to note that peak sun hours may vary locally as well. Hence, the need for a more site-specific
assessment. In fact, the peak sun hours may vary from one part of your roof to the other. This will affect where your
solar panels should be placed on your roof. All of these must be put into consideration in planning and designing
your solar installation project.
Tilt Angle
The tilt angle is about tilting the panels at the right angle to absorb the maximum amount of sunlight. The ideal
angle is your geographic region’s latitude. However, the recommendation is for adjustable frames – the sun hours
are different in the winter and summer, and one angle will not suit all times of the year. So, no matter where you
are, the tilt angle is calculated specifically in terms of a fixed panel receiving the most radiance over the year. The
panels should also be south-facing to ensure maximum radiance from the afternoon sun. Finding the right angle and
working out the radiance that the panel will receive at that angle requires the use of a couple of devices - an
inclinometer and pyranometer.
The inclinometer is usually used to find the latitude of an area perpendicular to the sun’s radiation when it is at the
highest point in the sky. The inclinometer is usually placed on the panel and adjusted until this latitude is found. On
the other hand, the pyranometer is used to measure the amount of solar irradiance (in watts per square meter) at a
given tilt again.
Why Is the Tilt of the Panels So Important?
The reason for ensuring you get an optimal tilt angle is obvious. Your panel will produce at its maximum capacity
when it is tilted at an angle perpendicular to the solar radiation it receives from the sun. For instance, when it is
winter in the northern hemisphere, the sun’s position on the horizon is low. In this case, if your solar panel will
perform optimally, then it should be positioned at a steep angle of about 60 degrees. However, during the spring,
the best angle would be about 45 degrees. When the sun is at the highest point in the sky during summer, the best
tilt angle is about 20 degrees.
Because of this variation in the position of the sun based on the season of the year, it is difficult to choose a
maximal tilt angle where the electricity production will be maximized. The optimum angle may also vary based on
the type of solar power system you are using.
For instance, in the case of a solar thermal power system where the aim is to produce more heat in winter and less in
summer, the best inclination angle for the panel would be between 50 degrees to 55 degrees. While this is not the
maximum sunshine angle for summer, it is the best angle for optimal production in winter. For a photovoltaic
system, the optimum orientation would be at about an angle of 37 degrees south. This angle allows it to maximize
electricity production.
However, it is important to note that understanding the importance of inclination and solar panel orientation isn’t
merely about optimizing energy production. There is a need to consider consumption patterns as well, especially
when dealing with an off-grid self-consuming system where all the power produced is used locally and not sold to
the grid. In this case, the optimal orientation angle may follow a different rule.
For instance, for such a system, it would make sense to orient the panel in an east-west direction rather than make it
south facing. This is because an east-facing panel will produce more energy in the morning, while a west-facing
unit will produce more energy in the afternoon.
Since the goal of a self-sustaining system is to produce the maximum amount of energy when it is most needed, this
type of orientation makes sense since the morning and evening are the periods of optimal consumption while the
afternoons are not really needed because the power is not needed at this time. But, of course, introducing power
storing batteries into the mix changes the situation significantly since power can be easily stored and used later.
When charging lead-acid batteries, the charging process must be precise and closely follow a specific charge cycle.
Temperature sensors must also be installed to ensure voltage settings adjustments. Despite being around for so long,
lead-acid deep cycle batteries are still quite relevant today. They are still widely used and offer several
advantageous benefits over lithium batteries.
One of those highly pertinent benefits is that lead-acid batteries can supersede their low charge or low battery states.
In times of emergencies and when your backup generator fails, you can depend on your lead acid battery to stay on
until 0% if you need it for something important. However, it is not recommended to do this consistently, or else
your battery life would be significantly affected. Lithium batteries don't offer this feature.
Benefits of Lead Acid Batteries
● Tested and trusted technology
● Long-lasting battery to zero points.
● Safe and low risk
● Easily pairs with other Inverters
● As long as it is not overly discharged, it can have a very long life.
● It can be easily recycled if needed.
Disadvantages
● Energy density can be low
● High temperatures are not recommended because they can severely decrease battery life.
● Fixed-size stays the same throughout battery life after installment.
● If charged partially, such state cannot be sustained for long periods
● Lower effectiveness around eighty percent
● 40% usable capacity limited
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium batteries attained fame and popularity in recent times due to their high effectiveness rate, compact size,
lightweight design, and level of scalability. While lead-acid batteries are limited to a fixed size and fixed capacity,
lithium batteries are flexible and versatile. This ability means that the battery life is always open to more expansion
and additional capacity as time goes on, which is great for customers and installers too.
Lithium batteries also possess higher density levels compared to lead-acid batteries - this is why they are lighter and
much more compact.
Another significant benefit of lithium-ion batteries over lead-acid batteries is the ability to sustain a low state of
charge for as long as possible without any adverse effects like sulfation (A common occurrence with lead-acid
batteries). It's also possible to charge lithium batteries really fast because they have high charge rates, which are
70% faster charging periods than lead-acid batteries.
Benefits of Lithium
● 97% high effectiveness
● No degradation or adverse effects issues with low charge state
● High energy density
● Compact and lightweight
● Upgradable modular systems
● Scalable systems
● Safe and low risk if charged properly and correctly.
● Ten-year warranty
● High charge and discharge rates
● Super-fast charging power
Disadvantages
● Needs compatible inverter to function properly
● Shuts down at high temperatures of 45 degrees and above
● Shuts down at low temperatures of below 5 degrees
● Difficult to recycle
● It trips off under the weight of continuous high surge loads.
Lithium batteries come in diverse forms. We will examine these forms and determine which is best suited for off-
grid systems.
Determining Battery Storage Capacity
A major factor determining the storage requirement of your battery banks is the intended usage. For residential
buildings, for instance, the majority of the power usage will be in the mornings or evenings (except on hot summer
days when you need to have the AC running). Because the power supply from the panel is usually lesser during
these periods of the day, most of the energy needed will be supplied from the battery.
As a general rule of thumb, your battery bank should be sized to store enough energy to last a full day. However, if
your region is relatively sunny during the winter but with a few cloudy days, your battery bank capacity should be
increased to cover two or three days.
Ah (amp-hours) is the measurement used to determine battery capacity. In order to determine how many amp hours
your battery should have, you should divide the maximum daily energy consumption by the battery voltage. The
result should then be divided by the maximum battery discharge. This figure for different types of batteries is
highlighted below:
Lead Acid — 0.5
Lithium — 0.8
Nickle Iron — 1
To prolong the life of your battery bank, you can opt to decrease the maximum discharge by some percentage. The
less the discharge, the longer the battery lasts. However, this also means you’ll need more to accomplish your
needs.
Once you have determined the total amp-hour rating needed to deliver the required power, the next thing to find is
the number of batteries you will need to purchase. Note that the energy ratings add up. Thus if you need 1,000 Ah
storage, you intend to use 100 Ah batteries, then you’ll need 10 of such batteries.
AC or DC Power
Electrical power typically comes in one of two forms. It could either be in the form of alternating current (AC) or
direct current (DC). Solar panels typically supply DC. Some household electronics, batteries, and USB devices also
run on DC. However, the wall plugs in your home walls are power by AC.
Regular electricity from the grid also runs off AC. Thus, if you have DC appliances in your home, you have first to
convert the AC power supplied to the wall socket into DC power. This applies to off-grid solar panels as well. The
power supplied by the solar array is typically DC. Battery banks also store power in DC form. Thus, to use your
regular AC appliances, the system has to be wired to convert the power to a usable form. This is where an inverter
comes in. However, this conversion process is not 100% efficient.
Thus, when designing an off-grid system, it makes sense to consider the possibility of running some of your
appliances on DC. In some instances, you might find it cheaper to buy some Dc appliances or simply convert some
of your AC devices to DC than trying to buy more panels or expanding the system to make room for the power lost
due to conversion.
There are several lights, appliances, and gadgets designed to run on DC power directly. Another major advantage of
DC appliances is that they are generally more efficient because they are designed to run directly from batteries.
Based on these facts, when designing your off-grid solar system, it is a good idea to try to determine if some of your
appliances can run on AC while others run on AC.
Another thing to consider when choosing appliances for your off-grid system is whether they will be 12V or 24V
appliances. Typically, the wires needed to run 24V appliances are thinner, and this means they cost less. However,
24V appliances are a rarity since most appliances are 12V.
You have to weigh your options as far as the voltage supply is concerned in choosing the appliances to purchase
and how the system will be designed.
Inverter
The solar photovoltaic system produces DC energy which cannot be used directly by most appliances. This is why
an inverter is needed to convert the DC power to AC and ensure that AC power is maintained at about 60 cycles.
The inverter also reduces variations in the voltage output and ensures the condition of the AC is at a suitable level
for your appliances.
Generally, there are two types of inverters for PV solar systems. There are inverters designed to work with battery-
connected PV systems and those designed for systems that have no batteries. The former is recommended since off-
grid systems are battery-connected.
Determining the inverter to use for your PV system typically depends on the total wattage of the solar array since
the inverter is designed to convert power continuously as it is being generated. Another crucial factor to consider is
the voltage level of the solar system. For instance, if your solar system generates 200 watts of power with a voltage
level of 12V, then the inverter to use should also be rated 12V, 2000 Watts.
Charge Controller
The charge controller is another necessity for an off-grid system that will be connected to a battery bank. The
charge controller (or photovoltaic controller) serves the purpose of monitoring the rate of discharge or charge of the
battery. The controller will keep the battery from getting overcharged or completely discharged-two scenarios that
can be harmful to your batteries. Undercharging the battery cuts down battery life, while overcharging it can
destroy the battery. A charge controller also prevents a reverse flow of current from the battery back to the system.
Generally, there are two types of charge controllers to choose from. These are the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)
controller and the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller.
A pulse width modulation controller is typically set to match the battery's input power no matter how much power
the panel generates. This type of design means the system is likely to lose some power with this type of charger.
The Maximum Power Point Tracking charger is designed to deliver the optimum charging power at any point in
time. Such systems are inherently more efficient than the PWM units. However, the major limitation of these types
of chargers is the price. Because MPPT chargers are generally more expensive, PWM units are typically the
preferred choice.
The size of the charge controller to select depends largely on the voltage level of the system is designed and its
maximum operating current. For safety reasons, it is common practice to oversize the charge controller.
Chapter 7
In the previous chapters, we have covered the basic concepts involved in planning off-grid solar installation
projects. Now let’s proceed to how to build and install your off-grid solar system. Once you have concluded all the
necessary energy calculations and determined the types and sizes of the different components of your solar system,
you can proceed to order the different parts you’ll need and start to put them all together by following the guidelines
that will be highlighted in this chapter
To do this, the panels are first connected to form a series string which is long enough to give you the desired
voltage. Then the strings are connected in parallel. Of course, all the strings connected in series must have the same
voltage. This means they must have the same number of panels for each string.
Using Different Types of Solar Panels
Generally, for a series connection (or combination system), it is considered a bad idea to combine different types of
solar panels or solar panels of different ages. This is because having one bad solar panel in a string series of panels
can negatively affect the entire string's output. Also, different brands of solar panels tend to have different
maximum power points. This will reduce the overall effectiveness of the MPPT charge controller since the
aggregate maximum power will be reduced.
However, if you are using a completely parallel-connected system with a PWM charge controller, it is
recommended then mixing up different types of panels into the array may not be a problem.
If you add more solar panels to the array in the future or intend to use different types of panels, the best connection
is to wire the different arrays into different charge controllers. Multiple charge controllers can be connected to the
same battery as long as their battery charge profile is the same. The best thing to do is to use multiple charge
controllers from the same brand and model.
Using multiple charge controllers also creates a bit of redundancy in the off-grid solar system. This way, if one of
them is knocked out, you will still have some power to get by one while you get the broken component fixed.
Grounding Your Solar Panel
It is recommended that you ground any exposed metal part in your solar array. This is an essential safety procedure.
You can do this by simply bolting a copper cable to each exposed metal frame, run these wires together and have
them bolted to a grounding rod. You can speak to a knowledgeable electrician around you to get an idea of how
deep the grounding rod should go or check local building codes to find out.
Connecting Your Solar Panels to the Battery Compartment
Not every wire can be used for the solar connection. This is because most types of electrical wires will not last very
long when exposed to sunlight. Therefore, when you are running the external wires for your solar system, you are
recommended to use wires with a solar exposure rating. However, if you have already purchased non-solar wires,
you can run it through a conduit or have it painted. This will help prolong its life and avoid damage due to solar
exposure.
Another important precaution in solar wiring is to ensure that the wires are stable. You can use clamps or wire
guides to ensure that the wires are not moving. Leaving your solar wires exposed in a place where they can be
tampered with or broken can damage your entire system.
Another alternative is to bury the wire directly. This is particularly recommended in cases where the solar arrays are
far away from your building. However, you should ensure that your wires are rated for direct bury. You can also
use a buried conduit system. This makes it easier to replace wires or add more wires later on without digging up the
entire connection since you can simply pull the wire through the conduit.
Wiring Up Your Battery Bank
The next step for your solar array wiring is to wire up the battery bank. If you have several batteries, typical with
most off-grid solar systems, you need to consider the concepts of series and parallel connections. Like the
connection for the solar panels, a series battery connection will lead to an increase in voltage, while a parallel
connection will increase current.
Series vs. Parallel Connection
Generally, your battery bank capacity voltage should always be the same as the voltage of the DV circuit. Usually,
this can be 12V or 24 V. However, it is also possible to have it at 48V. If you are not running DV appliances, then
you should make the battery bank voltage as high as possible without exceeding the AC inverter’s input voltage.
When wiring several batteries, it is usually recommended to hook them up in groups of parallels first, then join
these groups together later in the series. This is the opposite of the case with solar panels, where they are connected
first in series strings. This arrangement will make your system more compact and less complicated.
Battery Balancing
When you use different batteries in series connections, they are likely to be uneven in how they absorb the power,
and this results in different charge levels. This is quite a big problem as charge controllers use the total battery bank
voltage level to work. The result will likely be that a lower-voltage battery will quickly become damaged because of
over-discharging. The charge controller cannot do anything about this because it would appear that the system is
working okay to all intents and purposes.
As such, when you add new batteries to an existing battery bank or connect a completely new bank, you must
ensure the bank is level. Here’s how to do this:
Make sure all the batteries are safely discharged
Disconnect your battery bank entirely from your system
Connect the batteries in parallel and leave them for 24 hours
Reconnect your system in series as needed
Best practice says that you should use a multimeter to check your battery levels as often as you can. That way, you
can monitor the battery balance and, when they begin showing different voltage, you can manually re-balance the
system.
Battery Management Systems (BMS)
You should do something else, more specifically where your battery connection is lithium, aside from manual
leveling, when you install a battery management system for the battery bank. Lithium batteries are prone to
catastrophic failure when they fall under voltage. Thus, only carrying out occasional manual leveling is not enough
in most cases.
A battery monitoring system (BMS) is designed to constantly monitor the voltage level of each battery in your
battery bank. Many battery monitoring systems only monitor the system and will disable the bank if any of the
batteries exceed the limits set. In this case, you will need to balance the batteries manually before reconnecting. An
alternative is to go for a self-leveling BMS. These types of battery management systems will siphon power from
over-filled batteries and supply the extra power to the under-filled batteries, thereby balancing the system.
It is also possible to find batteries with an inbuilt battery management system. Most lead-acid replacement batteries
or high voltage lithium batteries tend to have this design. However, you need to install a separate BMS on your
system for series-connected individual lithium battery banks.
Generally, you should ensure that the BMS you choose has the right voltage rating. Each BMS will come with its
own wire connection. During installation, the ground connection (usually the black wire) is connected to the ground
connection of the battery bank). Then the positive and negative wires are connected accordingly.
Some BMS is also designed in a way that requires you to wire the battery output through the BMS. This allows it to
serve as a sort of emergency disconnect. If this is the case, you have to check to ensure that the BMS can handle the
current that the system will produce.
Wiring the Solar Charge Controller
We have now come to one of the most interesting aspects of setting up your off-grid solar energy system. Most of
your connection is ready at this stage, and this charge controller is what brings them all together.
Before you begin with the charge controller wiring, you are recommended to cover up the solar panels with a
blanket, tarp, or any kind of thick sheet. This will ensure that it is not producing any power at this time. It is also
recommended that you work with discharge batteries at this point, if possible. Generally, special care must be taken
and avoid touching electrical connections directly without safety precautions.
The first thing to do is to install a circuit breaker or switch onto the positive end of your solar array and battery
bank. You should also have on ready on the load side. The circuit breaker offers some protection and makes it
possible to disconnect any part of the system you want to work on safely.
Connecting Your Charge Controller
Once the switches have been installed, you can now proceed to connect the charge controller to the power. Most
charge controllers come labeled with positive and negative terminals for the solar source and battery bank. They
may also have terminals for the load as well. The positive ends of the solar array should be connected to the positive
of the charge controller and the negative ends to the negative. This should be done for the battery bank as well.
When this is done, you can remove the cover from your solar cells and turn the switches on. If everything is done
right, your charge controller should begin charging your batteries now.
The next step is to select the charging profile for the batteries. Charge controllers typically have varying charge
profiles, dependent on what type of battery is being connected. Your charge controller user manual should tell you
how to choose the charge profile, so make sure you follow the instructions carefully. The battery manufacturer may
also provide specific recommendations, so be sure to check those too.
Temperature Compensation Feature
Some charge controllers have a temperature compensation feature, which will automatically change the battery
bank profile depending on the temperature. This ensures your battery bank has the optimum lifecycle. Some charge
controllers are also designed to cut the power when damaging temperatures are reached.
For a charge controller with inbuilt temperature compensation, there is usually an extra plug or terminal that will be
labeled “temp.” In this case, it will have an extra wire which connects to a thermometer that plugs into the charge
controller. Typically, the manufacturer provides a thermometer that will work best with the system. Be sure to use
this since thermometers from different makers are not usually interchangeable.
Ensure the thermometer is connected as near to your batteries as possible. Batteries warm up in a way that trying to
measure from a distance can provide inaccurate readings.
Connecting Multiple Charge Controllers to the Same Battery Bank
It is possible to connect multiple charge controllers to a separate solar array. However, you must ensure that the
controllers must have the same charge profile setting on them; otherwise, you risk having one cut off the power
before the others do. Charge controllers are meant to be wired to the same battery bank in parallel, i.e., positive
terminals to the positive terminals and negative terminals to negative. Similarly, if there are load connections to the
controllers, they should be connected in parallel too.
Wiring Off-Grid Solar Inverters and DC Loads
At this stage of the installation, your solar panels should be generating some power already and charging the
batteries. The next stage of the installation involves connecting it to your home, cabin, or RV so you can begin
using it. For this, you need to install some extra components.
Low Voltage Disconnect
If the charge controller you installed does not come with a load connection, or you intend to draw more current
from the batteries than the charge controller can support on its own, then you will need a low-voltage disconnect.
This is a device that monitors the battery voltage and cuts them off when the voltage gets too low to avoid damage.
You will need this low voltage disconnect for systems with up to 20A and 12 volts or 24 volts rating. The
disconnect is typically connected in between the fuse box and the battery bank with the ground connected to the
negative, battery terminals connected to the positive ends of your battery bank, and the load terminals connected to
your fuse box.
Fuse Box
For a larger system such as whole-house connections, cabins, and large RVs where you will be using different
electrical components, adding a fuse box to the system is often a great idea. This makes it possible to cut power to
specific parts of the circuit where necessary. It also increases the safety factor for a high current system. Generally,
any system that generates up to 20A should have a fuse box installed.
An automotive or marine fuse box would work great as they make it possible to choose the fuse ratings you want to
meet your specific needs. Generally, try to keep it circuit to less than 20A and organize them room by room. This
could mean having lights on one circuit, the fridge on another, sockets on a third circuit, and so on. You can refer to
the appliance power rating used for your energy circulations earlier to group the appliances by circuit. If you
already have the currents on the table, you simply add up the currents for the appliances you intend to add together
on a circuit. You can also divide the power (in watts) by the voltage to get the current and sum them all up to
determine the maximum possible draw from each circuit. For each circuit, the fuse to use should be rated slightly
higher than the maximum draw from the circuit for safety.
The fuse box is usually wired by connecting the load positive to the common lead of the box (usually at the top or
bottom center). Be sure to label each fuse socket and connect the terminal of each fuse socket to the positive of the
appliance or lights you are connecting to it while the circuit lead is connected to the load. Finally, properly rated
fuses should be inserted into each circuit to complete the connection
Wiring Your Inverter
The direct system described above will only work if you are using DC appliances. However, since most household
appliances operate on a direct current, a crucial component of your DC solar system is usually an inverter.
For an AC-only system, the only load that is connected to your battery bank will be the inverter. In this case, a fuse
box is not even needed since the wiring will be directly connected to the inverter, which is connected to the load
socket on the voltage disconnect ((or charge controller as the case may be).
However, in the case of a DC/AC mixed system, you have to give the inverter its own DC circuit with a fuse with
the same rating as the maximum input current of your inverter.
For an AC system, the wiring is pretty much the same as the traditional home wiring, and small inverters can be
wired directly into a wall socket. However, for a larger inverter (with more than a 20A rating), it should be
connected to a traditional circuit breaker box with AC circuits and breakers.
This sums up the installation guide for a DIY off-grid PV solar installation. I have covered every step of a generic
PV installation system, beginning with how to design and properly size your system, choose the right component,
and install the various components of your PV system and connect it to your home. Of course, this general
guideline may vary depending on the specific nuances of the system you are installing. In subsequent chapters, we
will learn more about off-grid systems and some of the information you need to have about them if you are opting
for this kind of installation for your home, cabin, RV, and pretty much any other system.
Chapter 8
When properly installed and well maintained, an off-grid solar system can provide renewable solar energy for as
much as 25 years or more. However, to get the best from your PV solar system would require proper maintenance
and occasional tune-ups.
Maintenance is a particularly important requirement for off-grid solar systems compared to grid-tied systems.
Unlike grid-tied solar systems, homes with off-grid systems are fully dependent on them. This means a failure in the
system will lead to complete power loss with no backup.
Effective maintenance not only prolongs the life of your solar installation but also ensures peak productivity. A
system operating at a poor or fair grade can be upgraded to optimal efficiency through proper maintenance
practices.
However, it is important to note that maintaining your off-grid PV solar system will only be efficient if maintenance
was included as part of the key considerations in the design of the system. The truth is, maintenance will not save
your solar installation if the problems it is experiencing are part of the intrinsic design of the system or due to the
poor quality of the product used. For instance, if you did not properly factor in your energy requirement into the
system’s design, you will end up with a system that is struggling to keep up with your energy needs. In this case, no
amount of maintenance will benefit the system until it is upgraded to handle your additional energy needs.
Also, maintaining the components of your PV system may be difficult if maintenance was not factored into the
design and construction of the system and in the choice of the components used. Some of the key maintenance
considerations that will make a world of difference to your installation include:
Choose Low Maintenance or No-Maintenance Alternatives
Although they may be more expensive, low-maintenance alternatives will save you the cost and stress of keeping up
with system maintenance. For instance, if you use plastic wire ties for your connection, they would need to be
replaced at some point. However, if you use coated metal wire ties, they are more likely to last for several years
with no need for replacement.
Install Equipment With Low Failure Rates and With the Best Warranty Service
In choosing the different components of your off-grid unit, such as the inverter or batteries, you should do your due
diligence with research and use high quality components with a track record of high performance. This will reduce
the chances of failure. Products that are covered by a warranty are also recommended. In this case, you can easily
rely on the warranty cover to fix or replace the product if there is a need for it. This will help save on maintenance
costs in the long run.
Use Standardized Products and Avoid Mismatch of Electrical Components
In planning electrical installations, you have to ensure that the various components are the right specifications.
Poorly matched equipment will have higher failure rates and will require more frequent repairs. It is also crucial that
you build the Photovoltaic system and the associated battery storage system to relevant standards such as the IEEE
recommended practices for the installation and maintenance of lead-acid for Photovoltaic installations
Provide Access and Clearance Around Your Equipment
When designing and installing your battery bank and other components of your off-grid system, you should factor
in future maintenance and repairs and make it accessible. This way, if any part of the system needs to be repaired, it
will be easily accessible. For instance, you are recommended to use two parallel strings of batteries for your battery
storage system. This way, you can disconnect and take out one string for maintenance if it is out of service while
the other provides some amount of storage to allow continued operation—this way, you aren’t completely without
power. Also, the battery bank should be designed to give technicians easy access to each cell for servicing or for the
replacement of individual units without necessarily disassembling the entire unit.
Consider Environmental Factors in System Design
In designing and installing your PV system, you need to adjust for the possible impact of environmental factors like
wind and floodwater. You should provide elevated pads for ground-mounted equipment to prevent flood damage.
You should also make provision for a permanent storm-water management system for surrounding properties.
These are factors that could cause unforeseen damages and shorten the lifespan of your solar installation.
Installing Support and Monitoring System
In addition to your main installations, you could also install the additional component for support and monitor the
system to ensure continuous compliance with requirements and easily detect issues with the system.
Third-Party Inspection
While this may not be necessary for small-scale installations for RVs, boats, and other smaller properties, larger-
scale projects need to be inspected before they are accepted. If you have installed your system by yourself, you can
consider having a professional look at the system to see that everything checks out before you begin using it. This
will also make it possible to spot possible operation problems right from the onset before it becomes too difficult to
manage.
Types of PV Maintenance
To keep a photovoltaic system working properly, there are different aspects of PV maintenance that you should pay
attention to. All of these maintenance services come together to prevent damage, manage issues, and fix existing
issues before they go out of hand.
Maintenance Administration
This is the aspect of PV system maintenance that refers to the planning and execution of maintenance projects. For
effective implementation of system maintenance, there is a need for proper planning. This includes documentation
of system requirements and different components of the systems. There is also a need to plan routine maintenance
services. Another aspect of this maintenance also includes keeping track of the system usage and performance. This
makes it possible to detect issues in the system quickly and initiate necessary checks and corrective maintenance.
Preventive Maintenance
this aspect of system maintenance includes operations aimed at ensuring that the system functions properly. How
much of this type of maintenance you need will depend on a wide range of factors, including the type of equipment,
environmental conditions, warranty cover, and so on. Preventive maintenance needs to be scheduled at intervals
based on the recommendation of the manufacturer of the different components of the system. This is necessary to
keep the system at optimal productivity ad also prevent irreparable damage.
Corrective Maintenance
Corrective maintenance involves the repair or replacement of failed components of the system. Examples of
corrective maintenance include re-topping the batteries, resetting inverters, or fixing issues with the wiring. Unlike
other forms of maintenance, corrective maintenance is typically more urgent as faults in the system can affect the
productivity of the system or even lead to more issues. However, some less-urgent corrective maintenance projects
can be carried out alongside preventive maintenance tasks on a schedule.
Condition-Based Maintenance
This is a more sophisticated form of maintenance practice that involves using real-time information to schedule
preventive and corrective maintenance. Condition-based maintenance will require the installation of data loggers
that automatically measure system performance and anticipate failures before they occur. Condition-based
maintenance will lower the frequency of preventive measures and also reduce the cost and impact of corrective
measures.
Step 1: Put on safety gears like glasses, a long-sleeved shirt, covered shoes, and rubber gloves
Step 2: Disconnect the battery bank from the main battery breaker and charge controller
Step 3: Clean the top of the battery to get rid of any form of dust, dirt, or debris
Step 4: Remove the cap of the battery top and insert the tail of the hydrometer into the electrolyte liquid
(be careful not to push down on the interior plates.
Step 5: Draw fluid into the hydrometer by pressing the rubber head. The liquid should be filled up to
the measuring line. Gently tap the hydrometer to expel any bubbles that may be trapped in it.
Step 6: Hold the hydrometer in a level position, record the reading, and then discharge the liquid back
into the battery. You should repeat these steps about 2 or 3 more times for each battery for accuracy.
Charging Batteries
Another aspect of battery care that you should be aware of is charging your batteries.
Typically, a solar battery goes through three charging phases:
Float Charging – also called trickle charging. The idea is to ensure the battery is charged at the
same rate it is discharging at, ensuring the battery is always fully charged.
Bulk Charging – once a battery has fully discharged, it is then recharged, and the voltage is at
the maximum allowable level.
Absorption Charging – this usually follows bulk charging. The voltage is kept at the maximum
allowable level while the current is steadily decreased to a point where the battery is charged up
fully.
Once an adjustable-charge controller is installed, you must ensure you set the voltage for all three types of charging.
Ensure that the voltage meets the battery manufacturer’s recommendations. The available time for charging isn’t
sufficient for the bulk and absorption rates for solar electrical systems, so you should set both of these phases for
the same voltage.
Cleaning Batteries
The terminals of your batteries should also be cleaned regularly. To do this, remove the clamps (starting with the
negative terminals). Use a mixture of distilled water and baking soda to clean to wash the battery. You should use a
battery terminal cleaning brush for this, then rinse the terminal with water.
Washing the battery this way ensures proper connection at the terminals. After rinsing the terminals, reconnect the
components ensuring all the connections are tight. You can also use commercial sealant or high-temperature grease
to coat the metallic components of the battery
Replacing Batteries
When one or some of the batteries in your battery banks are old or damaged, replacing the old batteries with a new
one may sound like the right thing to do. However, you should be careful when you do this. The performance of the
entire battery system can be affected when old batteries are mixed with new ones.
When you mix new batteries with old ones, the new batteries will become degraded to the quality of the old ones
within a very short time. Therefore, combining new and old batteries is typically a waste of money. A better
approach is to maintain all your batteries properly. This way, none of them gets damaged before the others.
Battery Safety Tips
As mentioned, another reason for taking proper care of your batteries, asides from the need to prolong their
productive life, is for their safety. Lead-acid batteries usually produce hydrogen gas as it operates. This gas is
flammable and can produce an explosion. To prevent a build-up of hydrogen gas in your battery bank, proper
venting is necessary. This has been covered earlier in this book. Installing venting pipes connected to the battery
box will prevent a dangerous build-up of gas. It is also possible to install fans that aid the circulation of gas in the
system.
You should also ensure that you follow proper safety precautions anytime you need to go near your battery bank.
This includes wearing gloves, protective glasses, and other safety gear. You should also remove metal items from
your body and have baking soda and water available in case of acid leaks. Following necessary safety precautions
will prevent electrocution or acid burns.
Specific Maintenance Requirements for Different Battery Types (FLA and VRLA Batteries)
So far, we have covered general maintenance tips for all battery types. However, not all batteries have the same
maintenance requirements. It depends on whether they are AGM, gel, or flooded batteries, as we discuss below.
Maintaining FLA batteries (Flooded)
One primary difference between flooded unsealed lead-acid (FLA) and valve-regulated lead-acid batteries (VRLA)
is that FLA batteries require regular refilling. Hence, they are more high maintenance compared to VRLA batteries.
The following are some specific guidelines for taking care of this type of battery.
Charging: flooded batteries are known for having high charging voltage tolerance compared to the
other battery types. Thus, they need to be paired with the right charge controller with a proper
charging program selected to keep them properly charged.
Refilling: Flooded lead-acid batteries need to be refilled regularly. When refilling, be careful not to
touch the electrolyte directly. The electrolyte is usually a concentrated acid electrolyte that can
cause serious burns when touched. Only distilled water should be used for refilling batteries.
Seawater or any other kind of water should not be used. This is because using seawater leads to a
chemical reaction that produces toxic chlorine gas
Storage and operation: FLA batteries should only be stored and used in an upright position. They
are not designed to be stored on their side. It is also important that they are used in well-ventilated
rooms. If ventilation is a problem, then you should opt for other battery types.
VRLA Batteries
The two types of valve-regulated lead-acid batteries are Gel and AGM batteries. They are characterized by having a
limited amount of electrolyte compared to a flooded unit. The implication is that maintenance requirements for
these types of batteries is different from that of FLA units. Once installed, VRLA batteries don’t need as much
maintenance as FLA cells. This is because you do not have to refill them. You also cannot determine the state of
their charge with a hydrometer. However, they still need to be properly handled and maintained, keeping in mind
the following peculiarities:
Charging: The most common cause of failure for gel and AGM batteries is charging voltage
sensitivity. Unlike flooded batteries with a wide voltage tolerance, AGM and gel batteries have a
very precise charging voltage. This must be accurately maintained if you want the battery to last.
An excessively high voltage will heat the battery abnormally, leading to a release of hydrogen gas.
This permanently damages the battery since hydrogen gas leaks are irreversible in VRLA cells.
Although AGM batteries tend to have a higher tolerance level compared to gel batteries, they are
still quite voltage-sensitive. Your VRLA battery system must be paired with a quality charge
controller designed specifically for this type of battery.
Refilling: as earlier mentioned, VRLA batteries don’t need to be refilled. They are sealed, and
refilling them with water is not possible. Neither can you measure their specific gravity with a
hydrometer. These maintenance practices are not necessary for this type of battery which is one of
the main advantages.
Storage and usage: VRLA batteries can be used or stored in any orientation. They have limited
electrolytes, so there is no risk of leaking. This makes them more flexible than FLA batteries.
Another factor contributing to the versatility of VRLA batteries is that they do not need as much
ventilation as flooded batteries do. VRLA batteries rarely discharge gas unless they are
overcharged. Thus, they are the safer choice when you need to install battery systems in poorly
ventilated areas. Of course, venting the battery bank should still be factored into the design, just in
case, no matter the type of battery you are using.
Although PV solar technology has been in existence since the 50s, it has never been more popular as it is now. The
major factor that accounts for the growing popularity of PV solar is the reduced price of the solar module. Reduced
solar power component prices and lower installation costs have made solar power more financially viable than it
has ever been.
Typically, the size of a solar array is often quoted in terms of its potential theoretical output in watts. However, the
output from installing a PV system (also known as the capacity) is usually about 15% of its theoretical output.
For instance, if a household system that produces up to 3-kilowatt hours of electricity runs at a 15% capacity factor,
then the real output will be calculated at 3 kWh x 15% x 24 hr/day. To derive the output for a year, these figures are
multiplied by 365 days/year. This gives an output of 3,942 kWh/year, which is roughly one-third of the typical
power consumption of a typical household in the United States.
In real-life situations, calculations like this can be misleading. This is because there are a lot of other factors that
may negate “typical” results. That solar power makes sense for one household does not mean it would for the
neighbor next door. The difference is due to the other practical and financial considerations which impact the
viability of solar projects. This is why a lot of planning has to go into designing and planning solar installation
projects, and it should follow due to consultation with professionals to determine viability.
Installing an off-grid photovoltaic power generation system can potentially solve the problem of electricity
generation, particularly for people who live in areas without access to electricity or where the cost of electricity
generation is very high.
Compared to a conventional grid-tied system, the off-grid system can be a little complicated. Since such systems
are designed to be the only power source that the user relies on, you must be aware of the peculiarities, possible
issues, and how to troubleshoot them. These challenges begin with the design of your off-grid. In addition to the
panels, power inverter, and power distribution system of a conventional grid-tied system, off-grid units also come
with additional components like battery storage and charge controllers. All of these make the electrical system a bit
more complicated. Still, the system must be designed to be reliable since there will be no backup from the grid to
fall back on if the system fails.
When the battery voltage is too low, it cannot be charged by the solar energy system. Hence, you will
need to take it elsewhere to charge it to over 30% before reconnecting.
2. Wrong battery terminal connection: batteries typically have positive and negative poles. Generally,
the red cable should be connected to the positive poles, while the black should be connected to the
negative poles. If this connection is reversed, the battery will not supply power.
Typically, if the circuit has a problem, you should measure the voltage on the batteries first using a
multimeter. At normal voltage, the sum of each of the battery voltages should be equal to the total
voltage. If this reading is wrong, then you should check the various terminal connections and see that
they are connected properly.
3. A faulty or unconnected DC switch can also be a problem. The inverter itself may also be faulty.
After checking the battery voltage and terminals and everything is fine, then you should check the
DC switch. If this is not damaged and it is turned on, then the problem could be with the inverter.
The problem could also be input overvoltage. You should check the voltage of your battery panel to ensure that the
voltage from the PV component isn’t too high. If this is the case, then you need to reduce the number of PV cells to
match the battery input.
Inverter Displaying “Overload” or Does Not Start
An overload problem could be from the inverter, battery, or load.
1. Inverter overload: if the power of the inverter exceeds the time scope, there is a need to adjust the
load accordingly.
2. Battery overload: generally, the discharge current should be between 0.2 to 0.3C with a maximum
value of 0.5C. Thus, for a 12V, 200AH LFA battery, the maximum output power should not be
more than 2400W. The specific values for these parameters may vary for different battery models
from different manufacturers:
3. Loads overload: load that generates a back electromotive force such as elevators should not be
connected directly to the inverter’s output terminal. The back electromotive force generated will
enter into the inverter and damage it. You should include a frequency converter between the
elevator motor and the inverter for this type of connection. It could also be that the inductive load at
startup is simply too high for the inverter.
You should make sure the voltage’s rated power is lower than that of the inverter. Typically, peak load power
should be up to 1.5 times the inverter’s power, no more.
There is also the option of supplementing your power supply with other renewable energy sources like hydropower
or wind. However, these sources are typically more expensive and not always as reliable as solar power. These
other options may make it easier to adjust to living life off-grid. For instance, you can replace regular heaters with
passive solar heating, which can be installed alongside your PV solar cells. You may also opt for conventional
wood heating for space heating. Making changes like this will make a sustainable switch to independent solar
heating systems possible.
Conclusion
For most people who live in an area with sufficient exposure to sunlight, going off-grid is a reasonable idea.
However, there are a lot of other factors to put into consideration. For instance, going off-grid would require you to
reevaluate your use of equipment with high electrical loads. It would take a lot of calculation and planning to
estimate your current energy usage-based and design a system that will be able to meet your energy needs with
enough to store for rainy days.
The truth is, committing to switch to a fully independent power source can be extremely challenging. In addition to
the complexity of planning, installing the system can be difficult, especially if you want to go the DIY route.
Generating power is an exact science, and you will need a fairly advanced understanding of the working of
electrical systems to design and install a system that works.
If you are serious about this project, you need to take your time to calculate the precise amount of energy you need
the system to generate based on an evaluation of your energy consumption pattern. You also need to ensure that
power wastage s kept to the barest minimum and that the system you install is built to perform optimally for several
years.
We have covered the basics of planning and installation in this book. But you may still need to learn more about
each piece of equipment that will be used to generate the power you need for your home.
All of these might sound like a lot of work, but it's an enjoyable task for someone who likes to take on big and
challenging DIY projects like this. You will also need to draw from different knowledge and skillsets, such as a
basic knowledge of municipal processes and how to get permits for your projects. You also need a fairly good
knowledge of financial planning and should be able to handle basic power tools and manage electrical work.
In summary, the stages of installing your own off-grid solar system include researching, planning, designing,
shopping for equipment, and final installation. Onward monitoring to keep the system in perfect condition is also
needed. This project will most likely keep you occupied for a while. But if you manage to complete it, you will
definitely be rewarded with a sense of accomplishment—best of luck with it.
Thank you for buying and reading/listening to our book. If you found this book useful/helpful please take a
few minutes and leave a review on Amazon.com or Audible.com (if you bought the audio version).
References
GEORGE BAILEY
Introduction
The invention of solar panels was a revolutionary creation in the world of energy production. This invention alone
set off more and more changes in physics and engineering over the course of the hundred years that followed. Solar
panels are time-tested, progressive, and incredibly innovative. While the increasing accessibility of solar panels and
an awareness of their importance may seem rather novel, the use of solar energy can be traced back to the 7th
century B.C. For a long time over the course of history, we have transferred the energy we receive from the sun and
have employed it for our best interests. For instance, cooking was among one of the first human activities to benefit
from solar energy-related efforts. People long ago were able to start fires by directing energy from the sun into a
magnifying glass. In the 3rd century B.C., solar energy was mainly used in Rome and Greece to perform religious
ceremonies, and mirrors were used to reflect sunlight and to give the appearance of burning.
Although they are relatively popular in the modern world and are often included in homes as part of their design
aesthetics, sunrooms were also widely popular in the ancient world. Their initial purpose was to trap solar energy
and utilize the natural warmth that it offered. Sunrooms usually faced south and worked by centralizing and
condensing sunlight. Adobes, which originated in Native America, and Roman sun bathhouses came to life through
their sunlight-oriented designs. Sunrooms remain very popular home features in today’s households as well.
Edmond Becquerel, a French Physicist, experimented with a conducting solution that contained a metal electrode
cell in the year 1839. This was when the photovoltaic effect, the phenomenon that shows the rising generation of
electricity when a cell is introduced to a light source, was first noticed. In 1876, this discovery was then confirmed
by William Grylls Adams and Richard Evans Day. Willoughby Smith also noticed that selenium could serve as a
photoconductor in 1873, further progressing the study of solar energy. Charles Fritz, an American inventor, also
made notable contributions to the field of solar cell inventions. He produced the first-ever functioning selenium
solar cell. Even though we use a different type of material (silicon) to create solar panels nowadays, the selenium
solar cell was a remarkable predecessor to modern solar technology. In one way or another, numerous physicists
can be credited for their effort in the invention of solar cells.
The utilization of solar energy has endless benefits, especially when it comes to improving the well-being of our
environment, cutting down on electricity and utility bills, increasing our homes’ value, and extending the life of a
roof. While humankind’s priorities and the significance of specific benefits of solar change drastically from one
time period to another, Albert Einstein still saw great potential in solar panels and made it a point to direct the
world’s focus to their importance. This is why he published a paper that discussed the concepts of light as an energy
carrier and the photoelectric effect in 1905. This paper popularized solar panels and turned them into a viable
concept rather than a mere hopeful invention.
A closer model to today’s solar energy technology, which is made from silicon, was curated by Calvin Fuller,
Gerald Pearson, and Daryl Chapin in 1954. Silicon is considered a better alternative, as it is more accessible than
other resources and is highly efficient. As scientists made efforts toward more discoveries and achievements in the
field of astronomy, many experiments were done on spacecraft compartments. During the late 1950s and in the
1960s, several spacecraft compartments were made to run on solar panels, with the Vanguard I satellite being the
first. This satellite was then followed by Vanguard II, Explorer III, and Sputnik-3. Solar energy innovations were
highly advantageous in outer space, where a ‘470-watt photovoltaic solar panel array’ satellite, known as the
Nimbus satellite, was sent off Earth by NASA in 1964. President Jimmy Carter installed solar panels on the White
House’s roof not long after as a statement about the newfound accessibility of solar panels as a clean energy source.
This was during the oil shortage in the 1970s and led to the introduction of solar panels into businesses and homes.
Since then, solar panels have been improving day by day and are becoming more popular and celebrated in different
parts of the world.
It comes as no surprise that the idea of shifting to solar energy sources has taken the world by storm. As more and
more people become more aware of the dangers that we have imposed on our planet, many have started to take on a
more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to life. Whether they have decided to reduce, reuse, and recycle,
abandon plastic straws, plant 50 trees, or install solar panels on their rooftops, every small gesture can make a
difference. As we mentioned above, there are endless economic, financial, environmental, and personal benefits that
come with making such a noteworthy change. Installing solar panels could be the start of leading a healthier, more
sustainable lifestyle. Not only does it allow you to give back to the community and Mother Earth, but having solar
panels also comes with a great return on investment. If you were considering making the switch to a solar panel-run
home or business, this book is the right choice for you.
If you are still new to the idea of solar panels, you may feel overwhelmed with the different aspects and
considerations that are tied to the procedure. In this book, we will explore the benefits of using solar energy in-
depth, as well as the pros and cons of installing solar panels in your home or business. You will learn where and
how you can use them and will gain an understanding of the different types of solar grids available on the market.
After reading this book, you will know exactly what materials you need to set up solar panels and the estimated
costs involved in the process. You will also be able to assess whether your site is suitable for an installation, the
legalities tied to the process, and read up on maintenance tips to help ensure that your solar power system is well
taken care of.
Chapter 1
Solar power is one of the most explored sustainable energy sources available, and for very good reasons. The sun’s
energy is easily harnessed by photovoltaic cells or solar panels and converted into different energy sources used for
homes and businesses alike. In one hour, we are provided with more power from the sun than the whole planet can
currently use in a year. Because of this, we can freely say that we have an abundance of this energy at our
disposition. From this chapter, you will learn how this green energy can be used and why it could be beneficial for
your property. You will also gain a little more insight into the different solar energy systems, so you can choose
which network suits your needs the best. Even though this is only the first step into your journey of equipping your
home with a greener solution, it’s also the most important one. Later on, you will learn what it takes to complete
this process. However, without deciding which system to choose, you won’t be able to move forward.
Off-grid solar power systems are gaining popularity during the current era since they are environmentally friendly
and also cost-effective in the long run. For an off-grid solar power system, there are key components that you will
need, including solar panels, batteries, an inverter, wires, and a charge controller. This section discusses the solar
power system components that you will require for your home.
Solar Panels
A PV panel converts solar power into electrical energy that is stored in batteries. There are different types of solar
panels, and they differ in size, wattage, design, and other features. Some solar panels produce more wattage than
others, and they also come in different sizes. Therefore, you will need to calculate the number of solar panels
required for your home.
Other factors like the location of your property and climatic conditions also play pivotal roles in determining the
number of solar panels that you will need. Calculate the amount of energy from the sun that your panels can
harvest. Unless you live in an equatorial region, you may not enjoy consistent sun hours. During cloudy or rainy
days, solar panels may not absorb the same energy from the sun, which can affect the power generated.
Other solar panels are powerful and can still generate power even when it is cloudy. You need to know what the
worst-case scenario is in your area and when you can expect to have the least amount of sun hours. When installing
the system in your home, figure out the number of sun hours that you expect to receive all year round. It is a great
idea to use winter periods to calculate the number of solar panels that you can buy for your home. If it is summer,
you do not need to worry too much since most places are guaranteed to receive the longest hot sun hours per day in
the summer.
Calculate the Number of Batteries You Need
A solar panel absorbs light from the sun and converts it into solar energy. This energy is stored in batteries for use
during the period when there is no sunlight or in the evening. During cloudy days, your solar power system may
generate little power. This is when a battery bank comes in handy to store power for use when there is no sunlight.
After calculating the power that you require for your home, figure out the number of batteries that you will need to
store the energy required to meet your household needs.
Batteries also come in different forms and have varying power storage capacities. Consider if you need enough
power storage for just a day or two. If you have another alternative power source, you may need fewer batteries. If
you live in a colder region, you will need bigger batteries. Batteries constitute a critical component of your off-grid
solar power system.
There are different types of solar power system batteries like lithium-ion, flooded lead-acid, and sealed batteries
that you can consider. If you want cheaper batteries, you can try flooded lead-acid batteries, which are commonly
found in big box stores. These batteries contain liquid electrolytes that must be carefully measured and maintained
to ensure that they last longer. You should keep these batteries in a well-ventilated room since they emit gas.
However, a sealed acid battery requires no maintenance and functions more efficiently than a flooded lead-acid
battery. Sealed batteries boast longer life cycles, but they are more expensive.
You can choose a gel or absorbed glass mat among the two popular types of sealed batteries. Gel batteries have
lower output compared to absorbed glass mat batteries. They also take longer to charge, but they have a longer
lifespan. On the other hand, lithium-ion batteries are the most expensive and advanced type of battery. If you are
concerned about portability and efficiency, you should consider a lithium-ion battery, which also boasts a longer
life cycle. This type of battery can have a lifespan of about 10 years and requires little to no maintenance at all. For
your off-grid solar power system, you need to buy batteries with a longer lifespan and high efficiency.
To get an idea of the right batteries for your needs, calculate the total energy required for your appliances. Other
banks have voltages that range from 12 to 48 volts. If you have a big solar power system, you will need a battery
bank with higher voltage.
Solar Mounts
Depending on the type of solar panels you select and the size of your roof, you will need to acquire appropriate
mounts. A mount plays a pivotal role in securing a solar panel in place so that it is not blown away by the wind or
damaged by weather elements. You can consult your solar power system installer to help you select the ideal
mounts for your PV panels. Alternatively, you can improvise the mounts and design something that will suit your
needs. It is essential to choose the right place to mount your solar panels so that they are not shaded or potentially
damaged by tree branches.
Select an Inverter
You must get a DC-AC solar inverter that helps to convert Direct Current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC).
Certain appliances require AC power to function, while the energy that is generated by a solar power system is DC
in nature. The conversion of DC to AC requires an inverter that helps to make the power usable. If you live off the
grid, you need to power AC loads. However, if you do not have an AC load, you can skip this step.
It is crucial to understand the best type of AC energy that you will need. In most parts of North America, the
standard AC is 120/240V split and 60Hz, while in Africa, Europe, and other countries in South America, a 230 V
single phase 50Hz inverter is required. Some inverters offer fixed voltages, while others can be configured to suit
your needs. You need to check the specs of the inverter carefully to ensure that you get the best item.
An inverter is a final component to consider when installing your solar power system. An inverter plays a crucial
role by powering appliances like microwaves, televisions, heating and cooling systems, and other items that may
need to use a constant regular source. Other appliances that use DC do not require an inverter since you can connect
them directly to your battery bank. However, you must ensure that you do not overload your battery bank to avoid
running out of power.
You have the choice between two types of inverters, which are modified sine wave and pure sine wave inverters.
With pure sine wave inverters, these can operate an appliance with reliable electrical power, which is both smooth
and quiet, without any interference or fluctuation in power. These inverters produce a pure sine wave-shaped
current, and they come in different capacities to suit your solar power system.
To prevent component damage, some inverters offer overload protection for AC and DC.
A modified sine wave inverter functions in simple systems without any sensitive electronics. They can be utilized
on appliances like water pumps, old televisions, and phone chargers. However, these modified sine wave inverters
can affect sensitive appliances. A pure sine wave inverter is ideal for sophisticated medical equipment like a CPAP
machine.
To get the ideal inverter for you, you should know the total watts that it will need. When you calculate the total
energy required for your home, you will also be able to understand from that information the total load that you will
need for your inverter. Different types of inverters are built for specific batteries with varying voltages. Your battery
voltage will determine the inverter that you must buy for your system. If you think that you will need to expand
your system in the future, select the best inverter with this in mind. A lower voltage inverter does not work with a
bigger system. You must plan the type of power that you will need in advance in order to purchase the inverter that
will suit your needs. You should shop around to get the best inverter that will give you optimum performance.
Wires
The other important aspect that you must consider is the type of wire that you will need for your off-grid solar
power system. There are different types of cables that are required for connecting various components in your solar
power system. Consult your professional solar panel installer to get the right wires. Other wires are not ideal for
high voltage, and they can lead to damage to your property.
Copper wires are more reliable for different electronic systems. The main advantage of copper is that it is a good
conductor and does not corrode like other components. Copper wire also comes in different sizes. Other wire is
thick and is designed for different wattages. Talk to a professional installer first so that you get the right wire that
suits your system.
Connected Load
When all components have been successfully installed, you can connect the load to become one entity. This load
helps to ensure that your electrical circuit is complete, and power can easily flow through it. You must check all
connections along the system to ensure that they are tightly fixed, and you should also make sure that you use the
right bolts and screws. There are special screws that are designed for holding these different components in place.
Other Components
There are also other components that you will require for your off-grid solar power system. If you choose to go off-
grid completely, there are specific system components that you will need to ensure that you have other alternative
sources of power. The following are other components that you can consider for your off-grid solar power system.
Backup Generator
In some cases, you can go for days without getting sufficient sunlight to recharge your batteries. This can lead to
loss of power supply, and you can experience total darkness if you live completely off the grid. Therefore, you may
need a backup generator that will help to increase the reliability of your source of power. When you have a backup
generator, you will not solely depend on solar power for all your requirements.
The advantage of a backup generator is that it starts automatically when your battery bank fails to provide sufficient
energy for your household needs. There are different types of backup generators, and others can be operated
manually. When you run out of stored power in batteries, a generator comes in handy and helps you enjoy a normal
supply of power. You need to do your homework and shop around to get the ideal generator that suits your needs.
Transfer Switch
When you choose the option of an automatic generator, you will need a transfer switch that helps to switch between
two different sources of power. You can choose the source of power used for your household if your solar power
system is backed up by a generator. A backup generator also helps to prevent a situation where you are forced to
stay in darkness when your solar bank batteries are flat. Whether manual or automatic, this component is crucial,
and you must have it to support your system.
Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular since it is environmentally friendly and cost-effective in the long
term. As we have shown, before you install an off-grid solar power system on your home, there are different
components that you must get to optimize efficiency. A solar power system can be a great way for you to realize
your dreams of enjoying unlimited power if you live off-grid. As you have observed, you need to buy the right
components to enjoy an uninterrupted power supply. It is essential to calculate your energy requirements to get the
ideal components for your system.
Chapter 3
As established in previous chapters, going off-grid requires more than just installing solar panels. The use of solar
panels only offsets the cost of your electricity bill. However, to go completely off-grid, you need a storage system
that can help you smooth out your system’s usage and energy production as time goes on. That said, you will also
need to find a way to transfer the produced or stored energy into the batteries so that it can be converted to
electricity. While the installation of solar power systems is known to be a bit pricey, it can cost a lot more to go
completely off-grid and install an off-grid solar power system that can power your whole house. Find out more
about the costs of off-grid solar power systems in this chapter.
AC Systems
An AC system is considered one of the most fitting solar power systems for houses that run on off-grid power. For
this system, you’ll need an inverter to convert power from DC to AC. You’ll also need a line-up of solar panels and
a few batteries to back up your system. Keep in mind that you need to be aware of your power needs so that you can
install a system that is large enough to power your entire house. We’ll go over the different sizes of off-grid solar
power systems in a bit, but you’ll need at least a system of 7kW to cover all the energy needed by your home. For
an AC system this size, it will cost from $30,000 to $60,000, depending on how much power your home needs.
DC Systems
This type is a little more affordable than AC solar power systems, but it’s quite common for traditional solar power
system users. Many off-grid systems are either DC or direct current systems. This type does not use batteries or an
inverter but still provides your home with power. In order to go completely off-grid while using a DC-only solar
power system, your house needs to be small, or you need to be living in a cabin where electricity needs are very
few. This is because DC systems are usually only capable of powering mild lighting and some small appliances. In
addition to the lack of batteries, which means your system cannot store power, this also means your system cannot
supply your house with electricity if there is no sun. These systems cost between $6000 and $10,000.
Solar Panels
This component makes up the bulk of the overall cost of off-grid systems. Solar panels are responsible for
harnessing the energy coming from the sun’s rays to start the production of electricity. Your house may require
different types of cells or extra panels and cells depending on your energy needs and location. However, you should
expect to pay between $10,000 and $18,000 for the panels alone. To go off-grid, your home will probably need a
solar panel array, which refers to the set of different panels that are designed to meet your home’s power needs.
This is why the number of panels or cells you need to install varies depending on your energy consumption.
Inverter Price
The inverter’s job is to convert solar energy into electricity. Of course, the number of inverters you need, the size,
and the type all depend on the number of batteries you have, the panels in your system, and the amount of
electricity your home needs. When energy is harnessed from the sun, it is produced by your system as DC, which
needs to be converted into AC, or alternating current, in order to be stored effectively. This is what the inverter
does, and the more power you use, the more inverters you need to make the energy usable. The cost of a solar
power system inverter ranges from $7,000 to $8,000 and is even higher if you have higher energy needs.
Solar power is probably the cleanest and most cost-effective source of energy during the current period. With the
right solar power system in your home, you can go off-grid and still enjoy all your power needs. If your solar power
system generates extra power, you can channel it to the grid and get some financial gains. However, an issue arises
when determining the number of solar panels that you will need for your property. This chapter outlines the factors
that you need to consider when you decide to install a solar power system in your home.
Installing a solar power system is a major investment in your home. Solar power systems are not as expensive as
you may think, and they can be installed for homeowners with any budget. For those who are looking to save
money on their electricity bill, installing an off-grid solar power system is the way to go. An off-grid solar power
system has all its components mounted on the roof of your house or building, where it will generate enough energy
for you without being connected to a utility company’s electric grid. The only requirement is that there must be
enough sunlight during the day so that it can charge up and provide electricity at night when there isn’t any sun
shining down on it!
The first step toward building an off-grid solar power system is to plan for a site survey. A site survey measures
available space and determines the direction that the panels should face. This is a critical part of planning for an
Off-Grid Solar Power system. The site survey will help determine whether the solar panels should be placed indoors
or outdoors for optimum performance.
Before starting, it is important to know that these systems can become very complex and should only be designed
by those with adequate knowledge about solar power systems and electrical safety. It may not be possible to
achieve your specific goals if you do not have this knowledge or experience. This chapter provides in-depth advice
on how to plan the building of an Off-Grid Solar Power system either inside or outside a building, depending on the
results of the site survey. You will also discover ways to measure the available space and the direction towards
which the solar panels should face. In addition, you’ll learn about the correct angles, inter-row spacing, shading,
structural considerations, locating the components, cable paths, lengths, and some methods to protect your solar
power system’s components from the elements.
Inter-row Spacing
Solar panels can be spaced 10 feet to 15 feet apart to ensure maximum sunshine exposure and production. It is also
important to keep in mind that a minimum clearance should be left around the Off-Grid Solar Power system (60
inches wide) to allow maintenance, and it’s best if you don’t put them right next to trees or buildings. Having them
near rocks, walls, foundations, fences, etc., can cause unnecessary damage during windy or stormy weather
conditions, which may cause the panels to break or fall without warning!
You should keep a clear 10 to 20-foot space between the ground and the Off-Grid Solar Power system. Taller
panels can be used at closer distances - avoid placing panels around trees or shrubs, as they will grow taller than
your Off-Grid Solar power system and shade it as they grow, causing a significant decline in the power output of
multiple solar modules. Off-Grid Solar Power systems work best on low buildings such as sheds, garages,
workshops, etc. However, when installing them on sloped roofs (or ‘North/South’ facing), you may need higher
wattage modules to ensure adequate power generation levels compared to roof-less installations.
Shading
Shading requirements vary by geographical region. Airtight solar panel enclosures are not required for most regions
and should be used only if there is a specific need (e.g., a requirement from the installer). When using PV panels,
the maximum allowable shadow area is about one-half of the PV panel array. For airtight enclosures, shade can
reduce yield by as much as 40%. Many manufacturers provide tables that enable shading analysis to be made more
quickly.
Shading impacts the output of a solar installation because it reduces solar radiation reaching the PV cells. Shading
can come from buildings, trees, and other obstacles that are in the direct line between the sun and your array. When
making a site for an off-grid solar setup, consider all areas where sunlight may be obstructed - even if you do not
believe it will affect your installation. After you create a shopping list, add 30% of the needed materials to allow for
changes in site conditions, and avoid scrambling to purchase more at the last minute!
Structural Considerations
The structural considerations for Off-Grid Solar Power Systems are many and varied. Structural considerations are
important because the system must be able to support the weight of any roof-mounted panels, even in hurricane-
force winds. These considerations include being sure that any cables can withstand bending loads (electrical/control
wiring), are protected from UV radiation (wiring for inverters/chargers), and do not sag or stretch over time, thus
losing their electrical properties (battery charging cables). Structural considerations also include protecting any
electronics from large temperature swings and allowing for good airflow so that the components don’t overheat.
Here are some more things to consider:
Find a suitable, level site with adequate space for your PV array. You don’t want to have to
maneuver the solar panels around trees and other obstacles. Prepare the ground where you wish to
locate the solar panels, as it may need to be leveled.
Consider where you will install the batteries and controller, as well as a place for wiring. Make sure
this location is secure from animals that may damage your electrical system. There should also be
enough room to service the system without having to move your PV array.
When choosing the location for your PV array, ensure there is an adequate water supply nearby.
Solar panels need to be well-watered. If it does not rain for a long time, the panels will dry out.
When storing energy, always ensure the batteries are charged and kept cool. Batteries can be
damaged by overcharging or allowing them to become too hot, so you will need to monitor your
storage system. Install a voltmeter at the battery storage location as part of your system design.
When designing your system, you will need to take the cable lengths into account. Make sure all
cables are long enough to do their job properly. Your solar panels and batteries should be close
together, as this reduces voltage loss through cables, which saves energy.
Locating Components
Locating the components of Off-Grid Solar Power systems is an important step in the right direction to building
your own Off-Grid Solar Power system. Without knowing where all the components are located, it is quite difficult
to build a system that produces power. The process includes planning the placement of your batteries and other
essentials. In addition, there are other choices to make, such as what type of inverter you wish to purchase and
where you plan on installing it. By locating the components of Off-Grid Solar Power systems, a system can be built
that will last for many years with minimal maintenance.
The charge controller should be located close to the batteries since they must both have plenty of ventilation. It is
recommended that for every inch (25 millimeters) of battery height, there should be one inch (25 millimeters)
clearance from the bottom of the controller to the top of your batteries.
Batteries should be located in a cool and dry area, preferably one that is well ventilated. The location chosen for
solar panels depends on many factors, such as what type of inverter you have and what roof materials are being
used. Another important factor to consider when siting solar panels are their tilt angle. This varies depending on
where you live, but generally speaking, most people install them at an angle that lets them track with the sun during
its course through the sky each day. You can determine this angle by using a simple compass or by measuring it
mathematically based on your latitude and longitude coordinates.
If you’re interested in building your solar power system, we hope this chapter has given you the information to
make an informed decision. To summarize some of the key points from our discussion, firstly, if off-grid is a goal,
then it’s best not to rely on any other energy source. Secondly, some considerations need to be taken into account
when deciding where and how much space will be allocated for these systems. Thirdly, orientation should also
come into consideration, as well as shading due to trees or buildings nearby, which may block sunlight. We can’t
stress enough that installation plans should always take into account weather conditions and environmental factors
such as high winds. The last thing anyone wants is their system being destroyed by a heavy storm or hurricane. If
you would like to expand your knowledge on the topic, there are many resources available both offline and online.
Chapter 6
To build your own off-grid solar power system, know that the battery is the main and most functional component
for off-grid energy use. It is the ‘off-grid’ part of your solar power system. Therefore, without batteries, you just
have a solar power generation setup instead of an off-grid one. The batteries are responsible for powering the load
directly or indirectly. Direct loads are considered DC, and they run straight off the battery. However, most of these
systems provide a low voltage of only 12v, while other DC systems can range from 24v to 48v. Direct load systems
are considered the most efficient due to their conversion of DC voltage into AC voltage. However, it’s best for
smaller systems to stick to DC, while larger homes definitely need AC systems with inverters. Let’s jump right into
the design and components of off-grid solar power systems and how you can build one.
Cable Sizing
There are 3 main aspects to consider when sizing a PV system cable; the voltage rating, the ampacity, and the
voltage drop. The Voltage rating refers to the voltage amount that the cable can provide insulation to. The nominal
voltage ratings for cables are 600V, 1000V, and all the way up to 2000V. 600V is always used for residential PV
applications. Ampacity refers to the cable’s capacity to endure a given electrical current without sustaining damage.
This factor can be determined by finding out the maximum current passing through that section first. The Voltage
Drop refers to the process in which the voltage decreases the more the distance between the power source and the
load increases. There is a standard established for how much the cable voltage can drop in order to keep the same
voltage quality within reasonable parameters. This standard is represented in a formula that is applied for PV
applications as follows: A = (ρ x 2 x L x I)/(v x V sys), where:
‘A’ stands for the area of the conductor (in mm2).
‘ρ’ stands for the specific resistance (in Ω mm2/m). The resistance of copper wires is 0.0171 Ω
mm2/m.
‘L’ is the length of the conductor (in m).
‘I’ stands for the nominal electrical current (in A).
‘v’ is the permissible voltage drop.
‘V sys’ stands for the voltage of the systems.
Nowadays, you can find Internet tutorials on how to complete almost any home renovation project. While you will
find the Internet flooded with articles on how you can install solar panels yourself, you still need to read up on the
pros and cons of each, as well as to have it installed professionally or getting it done on your own. Each process
comes with its own demands, and if you choose to go down the DIY route, you need to take the necessary
precautions, avoid technical faults, and use the right tools for the process. This is because any seemingly minor
mistake can damage your entire system or cause you great harm. You need to keep in mind that while this can be a
great option when it comes to saving on cost, it is a rather complicated and dangerous procedure. Whether you
choose to purchase solar panels at home, at a home renovation store, or order them from a specialized solar power
company, make sure you contact the manufacturer for clear step-by-step instructions on how to do it seamlessly.
A few years ago, DIY installation of solar panels wasn’t really an option. They were just being introduced onto the
market, fewer people were aware of all the benefits that a privately-owned solar power system could offer, and only
professionals had the needed know-how on how to install solar panels correctly. Fortunately, you can now shop for
solar panels separately without having to stick to the company’s installation services. If you want to take on huge
home improvement projects, then this may be just the perfect challenge for you. Perhaps the best thing about doing
it yourself is that you can begin whenever you want as long as you have the kit and tools. If you wait for a solar
company to do it for you, you can wind up waiting for months before they start working on the project. This is
because you have to abide by the company’s schedule and its availability. Doing it all by yourself can also save you
a lot of money, especially if you’re buying solar panels at a third-party retailer. Solar power systems sold at home
renovation stores are usually much cheaper than the ones that you buy at a specialized company. Besides, the
company will also probably charge you for additional freight and installation costs. The price of a solar power
system purchased at a company, less the services mentioned and government incentives deductions, can be around
$35,000. If you decide to figure it out yourself, you can save around $15,000, depending on the type, quality, and
the number of solar panels that you purchase.
On the other hand, installing solar panels on your own can be very complicated. Even if you manage to do it, the
chances are that the installation will be faulty, posing great threats to the safety of your home and family. You need
to contemplate whether you feel positive about working with electrical wiring at a height. You also need to keep in
mind that you may not be able to connect your solar panels to the main power grid. Connecting your solar power
system to your utility company’s power grid may require you to file permits. These permits are usually signed off
on by specialized or professional solar power system providers. They may not accept your request if you don’t
resort to professional help, because of liability issues. If you are installing an off-grid solar power system, which is
the main subject of this book, you should ensure that your chosen panels can comfortably support all your needs
regarding electricity. There are also advantages to having a professional provider install your solar panels for you.
Although it is much more expensive to purchase and install your solar power system using a specialized company,
you need to keep in mind that you are not only covering the labor costs and the price of the panels - you are also
paying for expertise, quality, and professionalism.
No matter how much you pay for your DIY solar panel kit, it will never match up to the ones that many companies
use. You should also consider the fact that companies provide materials and compartments under warranty, which
also covers faulty labor and installation. Regardless of whether you benefit from the warranty, the quality of the
panels will most likely be enough to keep it working efficiently for a few decades. Most companies hire licensed
employees that have been working in the field for many years. This means that they are confident in their ability to
install your system correctly. Referring to a professional company also means that you will be connected to the grid,
allowing you to benefit from your utility company’s energy if your solar panels don’t meet all your needs. Some
utility companies also provide customers who have solar panels with money-back benefits for providing additional
power to the grid.
Now that you have read through this chapter’s introduction and have gathered sufficient knowledge, you can decide
between using a professional company or a DIY kit to install your solar panels. If you decided, based on the tips
provided in the previous chapters, that the pros of doing it yourself outweigh the cons and have already purchased
the solar panels that suit your needs, it’s time to get your hands dirty. Read through this chapter to find out which
tools you need, why you need them, and the safety measures that you need to take, as well as protective equipment
that you may need.
Essential Tools
Even though the technology associated with solar panels is improving every single day, you may be surprised to
learn that the tools needed have more or less been the same for the past few decades. We know that installing your
own system can be overwhelming, which is why we are here to tell you all about the essential tools that you will
need to help you kickstart your project.
Digital Multimeter
As you know, solar panels use photovoltaic systems that contain semiconductors, in order to transform light energy
into electricity. Choosing the right multimeter is needed so you can ensure that each cell generates high-quality
electricity. You should have a digital multimeter if you want to assess the capacity of an ammeter, a voltmeter, and
an ohmmeter. In addition to that, this equipment can be of great help in terms of solar panels repair and
maintenance.
Hack Saw
When you are installing your panels, always keep in mind that the final result will involve the panels resting on
your roof, which is exactly why you will have to cut the rails prior to your start or upon completing the process.
Hacksaws are generally inexpensive and can be used easily. If you’re an avid DIY-er, you can benefit from this tool
in other projects too.
Caulk Gun
As we mentioned above, your mounts and rails have to be fixed onto your roof and this requires you to remove the
shingles and drill several holes into your roof. You will then have to fill up the holes with roofing caulk to later
screw the mounts into place. A caulk gun is vital if you want an accurate and safe application of roof sealant. You
need the roof sealant because it will help you avoid potential leakage and ceiling damage.
Screwdrivers
You may have already guessed that the most necessary tools when it comes to solar panel installation, or any other
home improvement or DIY project, are screwdrivers. Screwdrivers are necessary and can’t be left out during the
process. This is simply because they are needed to hold your solar panels in place. Start off by screwing the large
ones first to ensure a safe installation. They may also prove to be helpful when you start wiring.
Tape Measure
If this is your first time installing a solar power system, you will most certainly face an issue with leveling. It can be
hard to determine if your solar panels are, in fact, level on your roof. A tape measure is an important tool if you
want to pinpoint the number of panels that your roof can take. Instead of having to go over the process multiple
times, you will need a tape measure to mark the locations of each panel onto your roof. If you want to make sure
that they are level after installation, a string line can be a smart way to do this.
Conduit Bender
A conduit bender is not an optional tool. You will need it as you install your solar panels. If you were wondering,
the most widespread type of conduit used for electric wiring protection is the EMT conduit. When you are shopping
for conduit benders, you need to make sure that you purchase the right ones to do the project. They are especially
advantageous as you will end up in odd positions as you go about the installation process. To tighten your conduit
joints, you will have to use a few channel locks.
Safety Measures
As we discussed above, solar panel installation and wiring can come with great risks that experienced employees
face every day. If you are not a professional and don’t have enough experience and adequate know-how, your risks
can increase. From life-threatening falls to extremely hot solar panels, many threats can come your way during the
process. Unlike specialized workers, you don’t get safety training and protection, which is why we are here to tell
you about the safety risks that you may face and how you can prevent them.
Powering a solar off-grid system relies mainly on batteries. The same concept applies to smaller houses, boats, and
RVs, with smaller storage or battery capacities, of course. People may need solar power for their cabins, tiny
homes, and RVs for all different kinds of reasons. If you live your life on the go, a solar off-grid system mounted on
top of your RV roof will be necessary to power all your mobile appliances and devices. If you live in a tiny home,
installing an off-grid system will actually be more cost-efficient than relying on the grid for electricity. However,
installing a solar off-grid system requires different calculations when it comes to energy needs and wiring. You will
not need the same size of solar power system when you’re only powering a 15 or 30 feet boat or RV compared to a
2000 square feet house. Let’s take a closer look at planning your solar power system and the design of smaller-scale
living areas.
Battery Wiring
If you go with 6-volt batteries or ones with less voltage, you need to connect or wire them in series parallel to
maximize both voltage and current. Connecting 4 batteries in series should give you a 24-volt unit, and you can
then connect another 24-volt unit in parallel. 24-volt batteries can be considered more efficient than 48-volt ones
because they allow you to opt for cheaper equipment and future-proof your setup. Using 24-volt batteries also
allows you to select better units and components that make it easier for you to add more batteries and panels
without upgrading your equipment in the future. This voltage will allow you to add up to 15 panels in addition to
many more batteries without upgrading your electronics. If possible, try to opt for stackable inverters as well so that
you can easily add an extra inverter whenever you plan to switch to a normal-sized or larger system.
Charge Controllers
After the batteries are ready and the amount of power received has been carefully calculated, it’s time to establish
the storage of solar power in the batteries. There is a basic rule for the determination of the right solar charge
controller. You should divide the solar energy watts by the battery bank voltage output. Make sure there is a 25%
leeway for extra safety.
Bear in mind that charge controllers come in two main technologies, MPPT and PWM. The latter is usually used
when there isn’t a difference between the solar panel array and the battery bank. For more clarification, let’s assume
a 24V battery is used with a 24V panel. In this case, a PWM charge controller is used.
On the other hand, an MPPT charge controller is used when the panels can’t be wired in series to make the voltages
of the panel and the battery match. For example, if a 12V battery is paired with a 20V solar panel voltage, then an
MPPT charge controller is the right fit to match these differences in voltages.
Inverters
If you plan to run AC devices and appliances within your boat, RV, or tiny home, you definitely need an inverter to
convert the current from DC to AC. The inverter’s job, as explained in chapter 6, is to convert the power going from
your batteries to your household outlet, either 120V AC or 120/240V AC. Depending on the appliances you need to
power using the inverter, you can determine whether you need a stand-alone inverter or a fully integrated one. For
instance, if you’re only using it to power or charge phones and laptops, you can easily go with a stand-alone
inverter. Most stand-alone inverters come with an outlet on the front to let you connect low-power devices. On the
other hand, a fully integrated inverter or charger may be needed for any greater electrical demands.
Integrated inverters and chargers do not just charge batteries at a current that is much higher than regular converters.
They also come with a built-in transfer switch for user convenience.
When connecting the inverter, make sure you place it in its ideal setting, which is between the main electrical panel
and the shore power input. However, the inverter output should go directly to the main electrical panel. This should
be enough to connect the converted current with all of your RV or small home appliances.
Wiring
The power flow of your off-grid system starts from the Breaker Panel, then passes by the charge controller, then
through the batteries or directly through the interconnect with the control panel, then finally through the inverter,
before it reaches your home appliances. Since these are the main wiring sections that can be put together as
explained in chapter 6, let’s take a look at the electrical functions of each. The breaker panel is responsible for
managing the power harnessed by the solar panels from the sun. This section then passes the power through to the
charge controller before it can be stored in the batteries or used and converted right away. The charge controller
manages the power going into your system’s battery bank. The interconnect is basically a junction box and breaker
that carries the interface of the control panel. While the inverter, as you probably know by now, is responsible for
converting the currents or power passing through to your home or RV into AC.
Specifics to Consider
While DC current is more efficient to power electrical devices, it still isn’t possible to directly use it to power
devices since everything is powered by AC power in our houses. This requires the use of an inverter to transform
direct current to alternating current. Once AC power flows out of the inverter, it goes through a huge cable that can
be easily noticed at the bottom of the inverter.
Usually, for a tiny house, a 50-amp RV style plug can be used to seamlessly hook up the needed power for you to
run the house. An important thing to bear in mind is that the plug used is a female receptacle. This way, you won’t
end up with two male ends to your cord. This situation is considered a ‘suicide cord’ by electricians when plugged
into a power source. The reason behind this is that you will have exposed live conductors. This is extremely
dangerous as the circuit is open and will be completed with any touch.
Ensuring that your plug has a female end to the cord eliminates the chance of being shocked whenever you are
dealing with this circuit. You can also reduce the chances of accidental electrical shocks by turning off the main
breaker at the power source whenever you are dealing with these connections.
The power then passes through the inlet into the panel. A large cord can be noticed coming out of the power inlet
into the box that ties the lugs and directly into powering your house.
Backup Generators
The final component you may need in the building or installation of a small house, RV, or boat solar off-grid
system is a backup generator. You’re probably better off using a larger system rather than adding a generator to
increase your power supply. However, these devices come in handy when you just need to top off your batteries
once the weather turns cold or cloudy. This is when your system is not getting enough sunlight to power all of your
appliances. You may also need a 2000 watt generator that can help you add more power temporarily until you can
upgrade your system and increase its capacity.
In order to design a solar off-grid system that powers your cabin, boat, tiny home, or RV, you need to estimate your
household’s power needs so that you can include the right components. For example, solar panels are a lot more
limited in space when it comes to boats, mobile homes, and smaller houses. The less space you have for the panels,
the less energy you receive, which is why you may need to find alternative solutions to roof mounting. After
assembling your components, placing your solar panels, and installing your power cabinet, you should proceed to
wire your system so that all the parts are connected together before any energy can be generated.
Chapter 9
Maintenance
From the previous chapters, you learned more about how solar panels can be utilized to power your home or
business. You also got a comprehensive insight into what it takes to install an off-grid solar power system. In order
for these systems to work efficiently, they require adequate maintenance after the installation as well. Now, you will
gain knowledge on how to take care of an off-grid solar power system - which will be your responsibility as a sole
owner. These systems consist of two main elements, the panels, and the battery, and both of these should be
subjected to regular inspection and cleanup. Of course, as the power goes through and is stored in the batteries, their
care has much more bearing on the functionality of the system. However, if the panels are not maintained properly,
they won’t be able to harness sunlight. Consequently, no energy will be converted to electricity to supply your
property with. For this very reason, the care of the PV cells shouldn’t be neglected either.
PV Panel Maintenance
When it comes to solar panel maintenance, regular inspection and cleaning of the panels are usually necessary.
Keeping the glass clean and the integrity of the photovoltaic cells intact will ensure that these elements remain
capable of absorbing the energy and generating enough power. Every panel is unique, both in the inside cellular
built and in the layering of the outside protective layer. Because of this, to preserve their longevity, any step
involving handling panels and putting chemical products on them should be conducted according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
While modern PV cells are designed to be durable and more efficient than ever, it’s recommended to check on them
from time to time. This is particularly crucial if you live in an environment where harsher weather conditions apply
than in other climates. You will have to make sure the protective layer of the panels is still intact, and that the
panel’s surface is as smooth as it was when you installed them. If you notice any cracks or even fogginess, you will
have to repair or replace them.
How often you will need to clean your solar panels is determined by many different factors. If you live in a drier
climate where there is little precipitation to wash off all the dust and other debris accumulated on the panels, you
will need to clean them often; this is not to mention if you live downwind from an airport or industrial facility. And
while snow usually helps reflect more light onto the panels in colder climates, if it keeps accumulating on them over
a long period of time, it will impair their functionality. All in all, if you live in an area where there isn’t enough
precipitation to wash off 95% of the debris from your roof, you will need to clean your panels manually. More often
than not, this will be the case, as rainfall is rarely an effective way to clean. After all, you aren’t taking your vehicle
for a wash after a rainstorm in vain either. In addition, if your panels lie completely flat or at an angle where
precipitation can’t clean them naturally, they will need an additional cleanup.
Battery Care
One of the reasons off-grid solar energy systems are not as carefree as their grid-tied counterparts is the level of
attention their storage unit needs. While the use of batteries allows for a high level of independence, this can only
be achieved by making sure they are always in working order. At first glance, regular battery maintenance can seem
challenging. However, after you understand how the batteries work and what needs to be checked regularly, you
will be able to do some of these tasks on your own. You will also be able to see if a particular step is beyond your
capabilities, so you can leave it in the hands of a professional technician.
Replacing Batteries
Sometimes batteries suffer irreparable damages, in which case they will need to be replaced. When swapping
batteries, it’s a good idea to always replace the entire batch, regardless of how many are damaged. Mixing old units
with new batteries can reduce the lifespan of the new ones, as all batteries are designed to operate on the same level
as the ones they are connected to. Unfortunately, this means that the new units will quickly degrade to the quality of
the old ones, and you will soon have to replace them again. Additionally, when you are changing your batteries, it’s
recommended to opt for longer interconnecting cables. These will reduce the resistance in the electric circuit and
will make the whole bank operate more efficiently.
As discussed in the previous chapters, installing a solar power system comes with great risks regarding fire,
electrical, and building codes. Even though solar power usage can be traced thousands of years back, rooftop solar
panels are considered somewhat new technologies; the fact that they are usually added to buildings after they are
constructed is what makes them especially complicated to implement. When home features are accounted for as part
of the infrastructure plan and design, fewer issues are likely to arise. This is because the building and all its aspects
are designed in such a way that allows them to accommodate each other and work harmoniously. When the
photovoltaic systems are introduced after construction, code provisions may need to be reevaluated to make sure
that the solar power system can be easily accommodated while remaining effective and adhering to the objectives of
the codes. While those codes may differ from one area to the other, whoever will be installing the solar panels may
generally run into a few problems, including vague or limiting language usage in the codes and lack of information
as a result of the gap between new PV models, practices, and technologies, and the un-updated version of the codes.
The variation of laws and regulations across different states, municipalities, and jurisdictions, as well as the
inconsistency, inaccuracy, and inefficiency of code enforcement, can also result in several issues.
When you are installing your solar panels, especially if you are doing it on your own, you need to bear in mind that
several states adopt the codes and regulations state-wide, while others allow each area to go by its local adaptation
of the electrical, building, and fire codes, laws, and regulations. For instance, if your state requires you to have a
rooftop area of at least 200 square feet to use a solar power system, you may be eligible to install panels if you have
only 150 square feet of space (if you live in a specific area), which could be quite confusing.
The great thing about codes implemented on the state level is that they offer you a sense of understanding and
consistency. This uniformity also applies to retailers and companies, meaning that you get lower costs in relation to
states that allow local adaptation of the law. With this variation and inconsistency, you will hardly ever come across
reasonable prices. However, the issue may lie with the fact that the codes applied state-wide may suffer a delay in
updates regarding novel practices and information. These alternating adaptations fall under two rather formal
naming: ‘Dillon’s Rule’ and ‘Home Rule.’ The states that go by the former option are the ones that hold all the
power unless specific areas are explicitly allocated to the local jurisdictions. In the states that go by the latter, the
local jurisdictions have all the power, except for the ones that are explicitly named under the power of the state.
AHJs, or Authorities Having Jurisdiction, are typically different cases. These states usually have varied and
sometimes overlapping capacities and duties in relation to the solar panel installation procedures. To be more
precise, Authorities Having Jurisdiction are in charge of the implementation of the building and fire codes, which
may include the state’s health departments, county building, and fire marshals. Meanwhile, local governments in
states that follow Dillon’s Rule are required to follow the state code. Home Rule states are allowed to adopt codes
that are either state-wide or at a local level.
Code enforcement is a vital aspect of the installation process. Without ensuring that the rules are being followed
and instructions are carefully implemented, major disasters could take place. You need to keep in mind that even
the most thorough and clearly stated codes may not be able to fulfill their purpose if any of the parties involved, as
the fire marshals, permitting personnel, and building inspectors don’t have the needed training to be consistent,
supportive, and accurate in the application of the codes and keeping up with their standards. This means that as
someone who plans to install their own solar panels, you need to be highly aware and knowledgeable about
everything that you’re doing. Otherwise, not only will you risk damaging your new solar power system, but you
may also be putting yourself, your community, and your neighborhood at risk. Regardless of the type of code
adoption and regulations, local jurisdictions are always responsible for code enforcement. The laws and legalities
regarding solar power systems and the installation of any type of solar panels can be very confusing to get a handle
on. While reading this chapter, you will gather insight into the laws and codes that you need to be aware of as you
go on about your project.
Note that the report showed that many references failed to address the building height requirements for solar
installations. For reference, this report was published in December 2016. To avoid running into problems, make
sure to look through the previous codes. You should also contact your local authorities to find out their stance on
off-the-grid solar power systems. This will help ensure that you’re on the right track.
Things to Know
Typically, anyone who installs solar panels that face away from the street isn’t required to obtain a permit. If you
are installing it on a roof that’s facing the street, you will have to dig deeper into your area’s codes and regulations,
as you may be charged with a beautification ordinance. If your building is heritage listed, then you most certainly
need to refer to your area’s council before you attempt to change anything about your building’s appearance. If you
live in a heritage-listed area, even if your home is relatively modern, you still need to ask beforehand. Generally
speaking, you don’t have to inform your neighbors about your solar installation plans. However, it would be nice
for you to explain to them what you plan on doing, especially since the installation process may be noisy.
In general, there are many laws, codes, and regulations regarding solar panel installations. However, the restrictions
and limitations decrease as you head toward off-the-grid solar power system options. Despite this, since every state,
county, and city follows its own set of codes and regulations, you still need to ensure that you are in compliance
with your area’s laws. Reading into the resources mentioned in this chapter, as well as consulting with your local
Authorities, will help you steer clear of potential troubles.
Conclusion
After reading this book, you should have extensive knowledge about the benefits of installing solar panels. Solar
energy is an evergreen, reliable source of energy and is highly advantageous for anyone. The primitive use of the
sun’s light source in ancient times is enough proof. While the sun’s proximity and the appearance of clouds can
affect the efficiency of your solar panels, they can still function in different climates. Solar power is universal. We
all agree that the sun is the most powerful source of energy on Earth. If anything, solar energy, as an innovative
concept, unites us all. While they can be expensive to install, solar panels can prove to be cost-saving and highly
cost-effective in the long run. With eliminated or reduced utility bills to potential tax credits and rebates, the pros of
installment can easily outweigh the costs. In a fluctuating economy and unreliable real estate market, the increased
property value would perhaps be the greatest advantage for many people.
After hundreds, if not thousands, of years of development and evolution, modern-day solar panels have finally
reached their best format, generating the most effective energy output from the least possible input. Since more
people are now aware of the importance of caring for our environment and preserving what is left of Mother Earth,
the installment of solar panels and the reliance on solar energy could bring more people together. The community of
eco-friendly and sustainable individuals is growing every day. Sharing your experience as a solar-power-run-home-
owner and sharing and benefiting from solar panel-related tips can help you expand your social and professional
network and can help you get to know more people who share the same lifestyle and habits. You never know - you
may even be the reason why a relative, friend, or perhaps a complete stranger takes a step toward making the shift
to a solar panel-based home, contributing to the betterment of our environment.
Many people, however, decide to invest in solar panels thinking that it will all be sunshine and rainbows. Reading
this book will have helped you to brush up on the potential drawbacks of running a solar-powered home. A lot of
people tend to forget that solar panels can’t harness energy at night, which is why they don’t bother reading up on
the difference between the different types of solar panel grids. In this book, you will have learned the difference
between the various grid types. You will also have been surprised to find out that there are different solar
technologies that you can benefit from. Because solar panels are not that widespread yet and are available at
specific retailers or specialized companies, they require professional installation. This can be a disadvantage for
many people due to limited resources or availability; however, we’ve also included a chapter that discusses
everything that you need to set up an off-the-grid solar power system. This will help ensure that you’re well-
prepared and hopefully help you steer clear of any installation faults or errors.
Being aware of the cost estimates and conducting a site evaluation or survey will also help you determine if
installing a solar power system is the right choice for you. Even if you can comfortably cover the required costs,
your home or business may not accommodate solar panels. If you’ve read this book, you are now knowledgeable
about the planning and design procedure. If your home is rather small, or if you own an RV or even a boat, there’s
an entire chapter dedicated to how you can benefit from the installation of solar panels as well.
If you’ve decided to go solar, make sure you read through our off-grid solar power system maintenance tips. This
will help you extend the lifespan of your solar panels and avoid spending more money on repair and replacement
costs. Keeping your solar power system in good shape can ensure that it lasts for a good 25 to 30 years. One thing
that many people often forget about is to check the legalities and laws associated with making the shift to solar
power. This is why we dedicated an entire chapter to this matter.
Now that you’ve read this book, you probably realize that it’s a must-read for anyone who’s interested in this
venture. This book serves as a guide for whenever you find yourself confused about your investment. In short, it
provided extremely helpful tips and tricks to help you plan your system efficiently, ensure proper build and
installation of the power system, as well as help you achieve a home that is energetically independent.
Thank you for buying and reading/listening to our book. If you found this book useful/helpful please take a few
minutes and leave a review on Amazon.com or Audible.com (if you bought the audio version).
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Off Grid
Solar Power
Advanced Methods and Strategies to Build the Most Efficient Solar
Systems for Indoor and Outdoor Living
GEORGE BAILEY
Introduction
As satisfying and fulfilling as it may be, living off the grid comes with a lot of challenges. One of the biggest is
power. Even for a minimalist, power is indispensable. You'll need it for lighting, not to mention electrical
appliances and phones or laptops. For someone living off the grid, your best option is solar power. The sun is an
infinite source of energy that can be used to generate power and provide your home with all the electricity you
need. However, you need to fully understand how solar power works before going off and purchasing solar panels.
Despite its many advantages, solar energy has a few challenges as well, like the increased initial cost of installing
the solar grid. This book will explore the most advanced methods and strategies to build an efficient and durable
solar energy system. But before we get to that, you will understand what solar power is and the different types of
systems available. You'll also learn about the different components of a solar power network and where to find
them.
Thanks to the constant evolution in the field of solar energy, going off the grid is easier than ever these days. It's
still something that needs a lot of thought and consideration and planning, so you don't end up spending a lot of
money only to find out that your house doesn't get much sun around the year. Perhaps you would have been better
off with another source of renewable energy like hydroelectric power, which is another great option for people
living off the grid. The cost of removing a solar power network and replacing it with a hydroelectric one, for
example, can be huge. Mistakes like that can be easily avoided with a little planning and research.
Living off the grid may seem like a good way to unplug society. It sounds simple enough, but in reality, it's a bit
more complicated than you think. Power aside, there are several other considerations like water. You'll need to
figure out a system to supply your homestead with water for drinking, cleaning, and showering. Then there's
sewage. You'll have to build a septic tank and use it to dispose of waste. You'll also have to consider
telecommunications and the internet if your work requires an online presence. The majority of these things require
power. Septic tanks and water storage systems require pumps, which will most likely run on electricity if you want
maximum efficiency.
In other words, when it comes to living off the grid, nothing is more important than power. Once you manage to
establish a solar power network successfully, everything else will fall into place and you'll be able to start setting up
whatever you need, from septic tanks to a landline.
Chapter 1
As you've probably guessed by now, solar power means using sunlight to generate electricity. Solar energy has been
growing exponentially in popularity over the past few years as a viable means of becoming self-sufficient and more
eco-friendly energy.
Believe it or not, the amount of sunlight hitting the earth's surface in 90 minutes is enough to cover the world's
energy needs for a full year. The sun is the most powerful source of energy we know of, and solar systems leverage
that immense power. Unfortunately, the intensity of the sunlight is still considered relatively low on earth. This
happens because much of the sun's energy is lost due to radiation spreading in large quantities because of the
distance between the earth and the sun. Moreover, the earth's cloudy atmosphere also causes the scattering and
dispersion of sunlight. The amount that reaches us is almost half-visible light; infrared makes up for 45%, and the
rest is smaller percentages of ultraviolet and electromagnetic radiation. So, how is energy generated from all this?
In simple terms, to generate energy from the sun, photovoltaic panels absorb and concentrate the sunlight and
convert it into electrical energy. The energy generated from this process is then either stored in batteries for later
use or used directly to generate electricity.
To delve deeper into how it works exactly, you need to understand that solar radiation is basically light or
electromagnetic radiation. This light energy or radiation is captured by solar panels that turn it into an energy form.
The amount of light received varies from location to location worldwide and depends on the time of year. In winter,
for example, the solar radiation hitting the earth's surface is much less than in other seasons.
Photovoltaic Cells
The most commonly used type of solar energy, especially in residential homes, is photovoltaic (PV) cells, which
work by absorbing the energy from the sunlight when it hits the solar panels. This energy flow in the panels creates
electrical charges that in turn move corresponding to the internal electric field in the cell. Once that happens,
electricity is generated, and it flows through the network.
A single PV cell is not big and can produce about 1 or 2 watts. It's made of a variety of semiconductor materials,
and it's very thin. For that reason, they are quite vulnerable to external conditions. PV cells are often placed between
coatings of protective materials that are usually made out of glass, plastic, or a mixture of both to ensure that the
cells won't get damaged in the heat, cold, water, or wind. Since each PV cell generates a minimal amount of
electricity, they are always put together in chains to form a larger collective called solar panels or modules.
These solar panels can then be used separately, or they can be connected to make arrays. After that, you connect at
least one of those arrays to the electrical grid so you can form a complete photovoltaic system. This modular nature
of PV cells is why they're most commonly used in off-the-grid homes, as it means you can design an electrical grid
of any size to meet your energy needs, no matter how big or small. You can always build or remove an array
whenever you need it. PV systems can produce large amounts of power. The US has power stations that can
produce over 500 megawatts of electricity, so whatever your needs are, you'll definitely be able to cover them.
We'll get into the details of a PV grid later, but for now, you should know that you'll also need mounting frames to
point the panels toward the sun as well as electrical components to convert the direct current (DC) generated by
your panels into alternating current (AC) power that will run the appliances in your home. It's also worth
mentioning that small PV cells have been very useful with devices that don't require much power, like calculators or
watches. Those devices can use small photovoltaic cells that run on solar power or, in some cases, even artificial
light.
Solar-Thermal Power
On the other hand, with concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP) systems, mirrors are used to reflect sunlight after
concentrating it. The collected sunlight is concentrated on receivers that store and convert solar energy into heat
which is then used to generate electricity or stored in batteries for later use. The focused sunlight activates this
system by heating a high-temperature fluid inside the receiver. The generated electricity from the thermal heat is
used to power engines or spin turbines, which, in turn, generate electricity.
This type of solar power is rarely used in homes and is most often utilized by huge power plants. Its industrial uses
include enhanced oil recovery, water desalination, chemical production, and mineral processing. Solar-thermal
power systems are also used in utility-scale energy projects that use 10 megawatts or more. The system's
configuration is done by arranging mirrors around a tower in the center, with the tower acting as the receiver. In any
case, the collectors or receivers of the solar radiation need to be spread out across a large area since the solar
radiation reaching earth is relatively low. By spreading them out, it's possible to collect enough energy to supply the
circuit with enough thermal energy that in turn could generate electrical energy.
There is another way to convert solar thermal power: solar ponds. These are basically salt water bodies that are
created to collect solar energy and store it. The thermal energy extracted from solar ponds can be used to warm
structures such as swimming pools, livestock sheds, and greenhouses. However, the problem with solar ponds is
that they are rather expensive to build, and their maintenance can also be quite challenging, so they're only used in
limited locations, namely, warm areas.
Now that you understand what solar power is and its pros and cons, it's time to look into your options. Just because
you're living off the grid doesn't mean your solar power has to be entirely independent of the grid, though that is
what most people prefer. However, some people living off the grid don't mind having a connection to the power
grid. While the concept of solar power remains the same, the system setup itself might vary. It can either be off-
grid, a stand-alone power system, or on-grid, which is tied to the local electricity grid in your area. There are also
hybrid systems.
On-Grid
On-grid solar power systems are possibly the most popular setup when it comes to solar energy, and both homes
and businesses use this kind of system to save on utility bills and shift toward a more environmentally friendly
source of energy. Unlike stand-alone power systems (SAPs), on-grid solar systems don't require batteries to store
the produced electricity. Instead, they use solar inverters. Moreover, on-grid solar systems are tied to the public
electricity grid, which means that any excess solar power produced from your home is exported to the local grid in
exchange for getting paid.
Contrary to popular belief, for safety reasons, on-grid solar power systems do not operate during blackouts, unlike
hybrid systems. A blackout is often the result of damage to the electricity grid, which means it would be too risky
for a solar inverter to keep feeding electricity into the damaged grid. This would compromise the safety of everyone
working on repairing the grid because there would be power running in it. On the other hand, with hybrid networks,
batteries can automatically separate the solar power system from the rest of the grid so you can continue to supply
your house with electricity. You can add batteries to an on-grid power system, but there are several things to
consider.
When the electricity reaches the switchboard in an on-grid system, any excess energy runs through a meter that
calculates the amount of power you're exporting or purchasing. How this process works will vary from one country
to the other. In some places, the electricity measured by the meter is the amount you're exporting to the grid. The
meter might measure the entire solar energy production from your setup before it reaches the switchboard in other
countries. In any case, the excess electricity exported from your solar power system is used by people in your area.
On the other hand, if your consumption is higher than your production, you will need to import energy from the
public grid, which you'll pay for.
This system is great for locations where sunlight might not be sufficient throughout the year, which means your
solar power production might not be enough for your off-the-grid home. In those cases, you can get power from the
local grid to make up the difference. An on-grid solar power setup is a good option for big homes that use too much
electricity without relying on the local grid because of the high costs. This way, you can cover most of your power
needs using solar energy, and when that is not enough, you'll cover the rest using the local grid's power.
Other than saving on utility bills, there are a few other advantages to on-grid systems. They're very easy to install.
With this kind of setup, a business can save a lot of money on utility bills without having to spend a fortune on the
initial investment. Moreover, whether it's a residential or commercial user, with on-grid setups, you can make
money by exporting your excess power to the local grid.
Off-Grid
Unlike on-grid systems, an off-grid solar power setup is not connected to the public grid, so it needs batteries to
store the electricity produced from the solar array. The catch with off-grid systems is that the design has to be done
just right so you can provide your home with enough power throughout the year, even at times when the sun is not
at its zenith. Your batteries also need to have enough storage capacity to store all the energy produced. The biggest
challenge with off-grid systems, though, is that they're much more expensive than on-grid ones. This is mostly due
to the high costs of batteries and inverters.
Despite the high cost of this system, it is ideal for those who really want to live off the grid with no dependence on
public electricity grids. This is also the only option for someone living in a remote location that doesn't even have
access to the local grid, which is the case for a lot of people. Remote locations can pay to extend power lines from
the main grid, but that would cost a fortune and would most definitely be pricier than getting an off-grid solar
power system. Estimates by the US Department of Energy put the price for extending power lines from the main
grid to remote locations between $15,000 and $50,000 per mile, which will amount to astronomical figures for
someone living remotely off the grid.
The basic setup for an off-grid system includes solar panels, charge controller, batteries, grid box, inverter, the
balance of system components, and the mounting structure. However, there are different types of off-grid systems
with some variations in the components, but we'll get to those in a bit. This setup stores solar energy during the day
so it can be used at night, and it's ideal for rural locations. This means that you won't be affected by blackouts since
you're not connected to the main grid, so whatever happens with it won't affect your power supply.
The way an off-grid solar system works is that your household appliances use up the electricity generated by the
solar panels. Once your electricity needs are covered, excess power is sent to a battery bank. If all the batteries are
full, they stop charging. At night, the solar power system is not working because there is no sun, and this is when
you use the power stored in the batteries to operate your appliances. Experts recommend getting a backup generator
for those times in the year when you don't have much electricity stored because of clouds. You're going to need a
generator in those cases not just to cover your power needs but also to charge the batteries. Unlike on-grid systems,
there isn't a public electricity grid here to supply you with power, so you definitely should treat the generator as an
essential component rather than an optional one of your off-grid power setup.
Hybrid
Hybrid systems allow you to have the best of the two options by leveraging the strengths of each one. The main
power setup here is similar to an off-grid system, meaning you will install a battery bank to store excess solar
power. The main difference, though, is that you'd also be connected to the main grid. On cloudy days or when your
battery supply isn't enough for your power needs, the grid comes in as your backup, and it supplies your home with
the required amount of electricity. Hybrid systems are smart enough to charge your batteries during the cheaper off-
peak hours where the electricity is at its lowest cost, which is from midnight to 6 in the morning. This helps you
save money on your utility bills in the long run.
There are two different ways to design a hybrid solar power system. The first is the one we just mentioned, where
you use a battery bank. This will be recharged with solar power or from the main grid, depending on the time of
day, intensity of the sunlight and your consumption. There is an average consumption for a typical home, but this
consumption can spike during hotter or warmer months where you could use electrical heating appliances. The
second approach is allowing your system to export excess power to the main grid once your batteries are fully
charged.
In broad terms, there are two main options to choose from when it comes to off-grid solar power. Your first option
is a direct current (DC) off-grid solar power system, which is more often used in RVs, cabins, and boats. You can
also use this DC system with ranch appliances and rural telecommunications applications where you wouldn't get
access to power from the main grid. The other option with off-grid solar power is alternating current (AC) systems.
In those, the system converts solar power into DC that is stored in batteries. An inverter is then used to convert that
DC into AC, the standard type of electricity used to power any appliances requiring plugging in. This chapter will
explore each of these systems and what they mean for your home.
In general, MPPT charge controllers are cheap, and they are arguably the most efficient way to charge batteries and
make sure they will remain charged in cases of AC shutdowns, which is an important feature to have when living
off the grid. The biggest advantage of DC-coupled systems is their very high efficiency of charging the batteries,
which can be as high as 99% charging efficiency with MPPT. They're small and ideal for small homes that have a
power of consumption of 6 kW or less. They're also the best option for RVs or boats that only need 1 or 2 solar
panels to operate. However, they're not limiting as you can add more panels if you wish, which offers great
flexibility and ensures that you won't be stuck with your current setup if you need more appliances.
The drawback with using DC-coupled systems is the fact that they can be very complicated to set up if your loads
are higher than 6 kW. In that case, you'll need to set up multiple strings in parallel, and you'll add string fusing,
which can be very intricate and will require an experienced professional to pull off properly. Moreover, it's costly to
use DC-coupled systems if your needs are higher than 6 kW since you'll have to purchase several high voltage solar
charge controllers. For higher loads, the efficiency is reduced. If you're powering AC loads, you'll convert it from
the photovoltaic cell's DC to the DC batteries and then the alternating current to run your appliances, which causes a
loss in the current and reduced efficiency.
One question that might come to mind reading this is what happens with DC devices, the ones that require direct
current to operate? The general rule is to use inverters to convert DC from PV cells and batteries to AC that would
power appliances. Then what about laptops or phones that need DC to run? Well, the AC power coming from the
inverter will be changed back to DC using the device's power adapter. The device's charger is an inverter that
converts the system's AC power supply into DC to charge the device.
AC Coupled Systems
Your second option for off-grid solar power is an AC coupled system, which will most likely be your choice if your
homestead is relatively big enough for a family. The average home that uses an array of solar panels will most
likely go with this setup since it is very efficient at powering increased AC loads during the day, and it's also very
powerful, so you won't get any fluctuating lights or flimsy current that could damage your appliances. This setup
can also be expanded using several solar inverters to create microgrids.
The average AC coupled system consists of string solar inverters along with more sophisticated chargers to control
the battery and the grid. Despite being very powerful and efficient, AC coupled systems are generally considered
less efficient in charging batteries in comparison to DC-coupled systems, coming in at a charging efficiency of
about 90% to 94%. This isn't low efficiency per se, but DC-coupled systems simply offer higher battery charging
efficiency, mostly due to their smaller loads.
As explained, this is the choice for most modern off-grid homes as AC coupled systems run on higher voltages that
can go beyond 600 V, which means that you can install a bigger solar array at a lower cost. It's also significantly
less complicated to install a bigger solar array compared to DC-coupled systems that you want to expand with
multiple MPPT charge controllers.
When using a hybrid system, make sure to check with your local utility company about their net metering policies.
Net metering allows you to use the power your hybrid system produces, store it in batteries, and then use it later
when your renewable energy systems are not producing any electricity. Some areas don't allow net metering for
homes that have a grid-tied, off-grid hybrid system with battery storage.
This is the fourth chapter in the series on how to go solar. This chapter will cover what you need to build your grid
and how much it will cost.
People who want to generate their own electricity often first consider whether they should buy a complete system or
piece together components from different sources. The answer depends on many factors, including location, budget,
and technical skills. Some people need help with every step while others can do it all themselves. For those without
technical skills but with enough money, buying a pre-built system might be the best option as long as they don't
mind paying more for convenience.
Types of Batteries
There are three main types of batteries you can use for your system, each with unique characteristics.
Lead-Acid Batteries: This type of battery is the least expensive option available, and they have a very good life
cycle (the number of times you can recharge them). They also have high power density, which means that they
generate lots of power for their weight.
Lead-acid batteries are found in just about every solar system because they're so easy to find and install.
Unfortunately, they have a low energy density, which means that you need more of them to provide the same
amount of electricity as other types of batteries. This also makes them less efficient when it comes to storing
energy.
Gel Batteries: These types of batteries have more value when it comes to cold climates because they can operate at
very low temperatures without being damaged by freezing or experiencing reduced charge capacity (the amount
stored). They handle discharging better than lead-acid batteries and also maintain their voltage during deep
discharge, which means that you'll be able to run higher loads for longer periods of time before completely draining
the battery.
Lithium-Ion Batteries: This type of battery has an extremely high power density meaning that each kWh produces
lots of power per unit weight. They also have very low self-discharge rates (energy lost when not in use) and an
excellent life cycle.
Deep discharges can damage Lithium-ion batteries, so they need to be matched with a battery management system
that prevents them from ever being completely drained, which means you'll always lose some of your energy
storage capacity. Lithium-ion batteries are expensive and require professional installation. There are lots of safety
precautions involved, like fire prevention systems, along with other safeguards for overcharging or undercharging
the batteries, which could cause them to explode or catch fire if used incorrectly.
Types of Inverters
There are several types of inverters available on the market:
Modified sine wave is a type of inverter that provides power for devices with low wattage, such as
lamps and fans. However, this kind of device can damage or even destroy appliances that need pure
sine waves to function properly, like TVs and computers.
Pure Sine Wave Inverters provide energy with an output voltage equal to household standard
(120V) but at higher amperage than typical home outlets. These kinds of inverters allow you to use
larger appliances like washers/dryers and refrigerators without any problems because irregular
voltages or frequencies cannot damage them. This is what we recommend using with your solar
panel system if you want to use larger appliances.
Multi-Stage inverter is the best choice for home solar panels systems because it has a range of
features that allow you to connect several appliances at once without putting too much strain on
your system. They are also smart enough that they switch off when there is no load so you can save
energy and money all year long.
When using off-grid solar power as the major source of energy, you should know your needs. Different factors
influence the level of solar power you can get in your area. This chapter discusses the measures you can take to
calculate your needs, improve efficiency, and the steps you can take to reduce electrical needs.
To determine the total energy, you will need per day, add the figures for watt-hours/day, then divide the total by 1
000. In the table above, the figures in brackets on each row represent the wattage each gadget requires. This means
you will need 1,699 kWh/day. However, your energy needs per day should be adjusted for the inefficiency of about
10%.
Consider your average kWh per day and divide it 8 by hours if that is the maximum time you get peak sunlight.
Multiply this number by 10% of inefficiency to get the output. To be on the safe side, you can multiply it by 1.3.
Most solar panels consist of about 40 to 90 watts. The voltage output is usually 12VDC which means that you
should get an appropriate battery for energy storage.
It is important to choose the best solar panels if you want to enjoy maximum efficiency. Solar panels consist of
photovoltaic cells that convert energy from sunlight to usable electricity. A solar panel cannot convert all energy it
receives into electric power. Therefore, its efficiency depends on the percentage of energy received and the amount
converted by the photovoltaic cells into electricity.
Solar technology is constantly improving and seeing increases in efficiency. Solar cell efficiency has significantly
improved from about 15% to 20% during recent years. You should remember that not all solar panels are equal
since they consist of different materials. The structure of the panel also determines its efficiency. More efficient
solar panels are expensive, but choosing more efficient models may be the best option if you want to achieve the
best results.
Another important factor that can help you get the best solar panel is brand. Reputable brands are more efficient,
and that is mainly why they are expensive. Some of these brands consist of high concentrated photovoltaic (CPV)
cells. The cells used in CPV have an average of 46% efficiency, while traditional solar panels have a peak of about
22%. As a result, CPV panels come at a higher price compared to traditional PV ones.
Apart from choosing the best solar panel, it is crucial to buy the best batteries. You should include solar batteries,
an inverter, and a solar controller in your battery. There are different types of solar batteries available on the market,
so getting the best deal is a good idea. The main purpose of a battery is to store energy transformed from the sun by
solar panels for later use. A solar panel does not work at night, and its effectiveness is limited when the weather is
cloudy.
You also need to get the best solar regulator that suits your system to prevent it from being damaged by excessive
energy from the sun. When the power from the sun is not regulated, it can damage the batteries, which will affect
the efficiency of your solar system. You also need to choose an inverter compatible with your system to ensure the
best possible power output. An inverter converts DC, the form in which solar power comes, to AC which is required
by other home appliances.
Don't Install Solar Panels in Places with Shade
Shade can affect the amount of energy received. Make sure your roof is free of overhanging tree branches or other
obstacles that can block sunlight from reaching your solar panels. It is vital to choose the right direction to install
solar panels in your house. Choose the side of the roof that receives more sunlight during the day. It is vital to
assess your property carefully to avoid challenges related to shade.
Hire an Expert to Install Your Solar System
It is important to ensure that an expert installs your solar system if you want to get the best results. If your panels
are improperly installed, they will not receive maximum sunlight, leading to a lower generation of power. When
installing solar panels, you should consider the angle. For instance, a solar panel should sit at an angle of about 18
to 36 degrees from the sun. Only experts have this kind of knowledge. That knowledge can go a long way in
improving the efficiency of your solar system.
Another factor that can affect the efficiency of your solar panels is temperature levels. The effectiveness of your
panels will drop as the temperature increases. Therefore, there should be a sufficient gap between the roof and solar
panels to ensure the free circulation of air. The material on the roof usually traps more heat during sunny days, and
this can impact the power generated by your panels.
A gap between the panels and roof plays a pivotal role in preventing your photovoltaic panels from overheating,
ultimately affecting their efficiency. Many people are not aware of this crucial information, and this is why you
should hire an expert to install your panels.
Clean the Solar Panels
Solar panels require little maintenance since they don't have movable parts. However, dust and other particles can
accumulate on the surfaces of the solar panels, which can reduce efficiency. If your area frequently receives rainfall,
there may be no need to clean the panels. Power output decline can be more than 20% if too much dirt accumulates
on your panels.
You can clean your panels at least once a year. This will also help you inspect the solar panels if they are not
damaged. A small crack on your solar panel can impact its efficiency. If you live in areas characterized by strong
winds, you should regularly inspect your panels. The wind can blow small particles, and their impact on the panels
can be detrimental.
Install a Solar Concentrator
A solar concentrator is designed to maximize your solar panels' efficiency. This device plays a critical role in
concentrating sunlight and converting it to electricity. All the light that falls on the panel is concentrated for
maximum use. No light is lost if you use this concentrator.
Use Energy Management Software
It is essential to monitor the amount of energy produced by your solar panel to be able to notice if there is a drop in
efficiency. You need to record the initial energy output level so you can constantly monitor it for any change. You
can achieve this by connecting all your solar panels to energy management software.
When you choose the right program, you can detect any unexpected changes in power output. It provides analytics
for your solar power usage compared to the total energy generated at any given time. The system can also help you
detect faulty panels so you can take corrective action.
Solar panels generate power from the sun's rays, and they are at their peak when there is more sunlight. You should
also remember that a solar panel can only produce power during the day. Therefore, try to use more power during
the day for maximum results and reduce electricity use at night. If you can perform other household chores during
the day, make sure you take advantage of the sun to not overload your power supply at night.
You can also reduce the demand for light by fully charging all portable electrical appliances like phones, laptops,
and lamps when there is enough sunlight. With a fully charged battery, you can use these devices until you can
recharge them again the following day. Make sure you reserve your electricity for appliances that do not have
batteries.
It is essential to adjust your heating and cooling systems to appropriate temperatures during the day. At night, you
should switch off the system to reduce electricity usage. You must try to find sustainable methods to heat or cool
your home. When it comes to heating, you can insulate the interior of your house to keep all the heat trapped. You
can also consider improving ventilation or opening the windows and doors when it is hot. This can go a long way in
preserving your power at home.
If you use inverters that can store energy, make sure they are fully charged to avoid wasting power. Additionally,
you must choose inverters that are compatible with your solar system to avoid draining power too fast. It is essential
to consult an expert when you buy components to make sure you efficiently use power.
When you decide to install a solar power system in your home, you should know your energy needs to get the
appropriate panels. When determining energy usage, check the total power required by your appliances. After
installing the ideal system, you should make sure it gives you optimum efficiency. There are different things
outlined in this chapter that will help give you the best results. You should also learn to reduce your electricity use
if you want to obtain optimum efficiency.
Chapter 6
Living off the grid shouldn't be hard work. If you choose to go that route, you should enjoy it, not feel stressed out
by it. Soon, solar energy will be a popular source of power for homes and businesses alike. The time to get on board
with renewable energy is now, while it's still in the early stages.
A successful grid depends on careful planning, cost analysis, and monitoring equipment that will handle the
unpredictability of the environment as well as a myriad of other factors. Don't get discouraged. This chapter will
walk you through the most important aspects of designing and building your own solar power system.
This grid is not typically connected directly to any of your home appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, or
washing machines. These appliances can be powered by traditional means of energy but also by the grid in case of
an outage. The most common way to go about this is to buy a power inverter that will take the DC from your solar
panels and convert it into AC or 120V power. This is then connected to your appliances and can be used normally
like you typically would if connected directly to the main power lines outside your home or business.
The solar grid network needs its energy storage system, an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) like a battery backup
powered by either propane gas or diesel fuel, depending on the size of your system. This way, when there is no sun
to generate power, you will still have some energy storage available to keep your appliances running until the sun
returns.
An important note on Power Inverters is that they are used indoors andmust be kept out of direct sunlight. They can
be placed in shaded protective housing or in a special rack designed for this specific purpose. Typically, power
inverters are placed in the garage or on an outside wall so they can be connected directly to the solar panels via
MC4 connectors.
The solar grid network needs monitoring equipment to keep track of the status of all your components. You will
need a charge controller, a system monitor, and a battery monitor. The charge controller will sense the amount of
energy coming from the solar panels to the batteries and keep them from overcharging by stopping the flow of
current at a specific voltage threshold. The system monitor keeps track of how much power your system generates
every minute and records this data for you to review later. The battery monitor keeps a constant read of how much
is stored in your battery bank and stops the flow of current from the solar panels to the batteries when the voltage
reaches a specific set point.
When designing your grid, you want to make sure that the solar panels are facing south or southeast. There is an
optimal time of year for each location on Earth, and during this time, it is best to adjust your grid to take advantage
of these seasonal sun angles. You can find out when these optimal times are by checking your location on the Solar
Pathfinder Map.
The above are general guidelines that you should use when planning your solar grid network. When you are
building something as big as a solar array, you should always reference local building codes to make sure that
everything is built correctly and to code.
Types of Connections
There are two types of connections that you can use in your solar grid network:
Series Connection
This means that the current will travel in a single path to all of the fixtures. All wires in series must carry the same
voltage, and adding or removing a fixture in this circuit will change the total amount of electricity that flows into it.
This type of connection is preferred when you are using high-power lights or heaters because they require more
electricity than most fixtures.
Parallel Connection
This means that the current will split off into as many branches as you have fixtures. All wires in parallel must carry
the same current, and adding or removing a fixture in this circuit will not change the total amount of electricity that
flows into it. This type of connection is preferred when you use low-power lights or other fixtures that do not draw
much power.
The most important thing to remember is that all wires must be connected in parallel and series, and parallel and
parallel, and so on, until you reach the final string. This will ensure that electricity flows through every fixture in
your network at the same time. When planning how to connect these devices, the safest and most efficient way is to
have all of your batteries connected in series. This will increase the voltage from 12V to whatever you need, and
then you can split it up for each fixture.
Planning the Power Center
You should plan your power center or inverter array in a way that you have enough battery capacity to run
everything you need. The solar grid network will require you to have an inverter or power center with battery
capacity to run all of the devices you plan to connect to it. If you plan to power your whole house with the array,
you might need something as large as 20kWhs or more. To get the most out of your solar panels without
overloading them, you should use a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charge controller instead of a PWM
controller. The MPPT controller charges batteries more efficiently because it uses switching technology rather than
the PWM controller's linear charging.
Cable Sizing
When you have to connect solar modules, it is important to use cables that can handle the full amp load of your
entire system. Some modules will come with pre-attached cables, and some will not, but if they aren't, then be sure
to use a cable that has an amp rating equal to or greater to your entire system's amperage. This is an important thing
to keep in mind because if the cable is too small, it may overheat and damage both itself and the solar modules it is
connected to.
It is also important to use the right type of cable for your specific setup. For example, if you are using glass-topped
solar panels, then it is best to go with a high-quality UL-listed PV cable that can resist abrasion and harsh weather
conditions. Also, make sure to use enough conduit and allow for a sufficient bend radius when routing cables.
And finally, it is important to keep your cables properly routed. Make sure that they are never under any tension and
that they are not being stretched taut or bent more than 90 degrees at any point. Abrasions can also cause problems
for cable insulation, so it is best to avoid having them run along the ground where they might be exposed to rocks
and other debris.
Protection Devices
To protect your system from overloads and power spikes, you should use a combination of fuses, circuit breakers,
and surge protectors. Fuses are used to provide short-circuit protection for any wires that have been joined in series.
This means that they will blow if there is a short circuit or a ground fault. Circuit breakers are used for protecting
the entire system from overloads, and they will shut down before they overheat. A ground fault circuit interrupter
(GFCI) is a safety device that protects against electric shock, and it will shut off if there is a problem with your
grounding or if someone gets an electric shock.
Surge protectors are used to protect your system against any type of power spike. Like fuses, they need to be
connected in series. They will blow before surges cause damage to your system. Surge protectors can either be
mounted inside or outside, depending on how much protection you need from things like lightning strikes and
power outages.
To protect individuals from electric shocks, you should use a minimum of two 30 mA RCDs in your power center.
One will be wired to the positive incoming line and one to the negative incoming line, but they will both have an
upstream connection so that if someone becomes grounded from any device, then their circuit will be shut off. If
you want to be even safer, it is a good idea to install an MCB on any circuit that has more than one device.
Alternatively, if there are other RCDs in the vicinity, then it is probably best for them all to have a dedicated circuit
rather than sharing one.
Grounding
To ground your solar system, you should follow the recommendations of your inverter manufacturer. Most modern
inverters will use a grounding rod and grounding electrode conductor, but it is important to make sure that there is
no metal nearby so that the current cannot be redirected and cause problems in nearby buildings. It is also a good
idea to ground your system even if you plan on only using batteries. This is because it will protect them from
damage caused by lightning strikes, power outages, and other types of surges.
Conductors
First off, you should use the appropriately sized conductors for each circuit: minimum 1/0 (120 mm2) copper wire
for inverters up to 400 amps and a maximum of 4/0 (225 mm2) copper wire for inverters above 400 amps. There
should be at least 10 mm of free insulation on all conductors to avoid short circuits, and if you need to install any
surge protectors, then they have to have a connection between the positive line and the negative line.
Battery Bank
There needs to be enough battery power to provide all of the energy your system will use throughout the day. In
addition, you need a certain amount of buffer in case there are any dips in power or if your batteries start to run out.
A good rule of thumb for solar grid systems is that you need to have between three and seven days of storage when
you are using lead-acid batteries.
The type of batteries you use will have a significant impact on how big your inverter needs to be as well as how
many solar panels you need. Inverters are typically sized in volts and amps, so if your battery bank is smaller, your
inverter can be smaller too. For example, if you are using 400 volts and your inverter needs to provide x amps at
1200 watts (with 120% overload capacity), then it will need to be rated for at least 40 amps.
If the batteries can produce more than 1x volts (i.e., 400), then the inverter's voltage should be set up accordingly.
This means that if you have a 400-volt battery bank, it is best to set your inverter's output up at 480 volts so any
excess power can be used elsewhere. For example, you could use it for powering a water pump or another
appliance.
Rafters
If you have any vaulted roofs or super high ceilings and you want your panels out of the way, rafters might be the
best option for you. Some people even opt to go with a shed-style roof if they only plan on having a small array up
in the air. This works well if you do not have proper roofing structures to hold up your panels because you do not
want to put too much stress on the roof itself.
While rafters can be a great option for those who have high ceilings or vaulted roofs, they may not be best suited for
everyone. For example, if you live in an area with heavy snowfall during certain times of the year, rafters might not
be the best option for you. This is because they are generally more susceptible to extreme weather conditions like
heavy rains, hurricane-force winds, snow loads, and even earthquakes. If your roof cannot hold up under pressure, it
may be wise to seek out some other mounting options that will work better with any intense weather patterns you
may experience.
Standoff Systems
Another common way to mount solar panels on flat roofs is by using standoff systems. Standoffs are essentially
metal braces that attach to existing roof structures. With this method, you will also need to purchase a mounting
system of your choice and have it shipped along with the standoffs.
The major downside of using standoff systems is that they will require quite a bit of extra work to complete the job.
Keep in mind that you will not only have to purchase mounting rails, but you will also need space for the standoffs
to go into place. The handiest individuals can probably handle this job on their own, but if you are unsure, then it
might be best to go with a system that only requires your modules and rails to be installed.
Mid-Clamps and End-Clamps
Another common option is to use mid-clamps and end-clamps. The main advantage of these mounting systems is
that they work with your existing roof structures, making installation very simple. To make the most of this method,
you will want to go with a SOLAR-RACK or similar system that has horizontal rails. This type of rail system
allows you to mount your modules parallel or perpendicular to the rails.
Here are some good things about mid-clamps and end-clamps:
They are built for dealing with heavy snowfall, so they can be used in all areas of the world.
You do not need any tools or hardware for installation.
They can be installed by just about anyone without any specialized skills, making it a good option
if you do not have any friends or family members who work with solar panels regularly.
Installing truss mounts is one of the easiest ways to set up your solar installation. This is because you are working
with existing roof structures, so there are no complicated calculations or layouts that need to be done. You can
simply drill into the rafters and start bolting down your pre-fabricated racks.
2. Pole Mounts
Pole mounts are another good option for those who have multiple roofs or complex structures that might not be
conducive to a typical installation. The great thing about these types of systems is that they often require no
additional tools, hardware, or expertise on your part. You can typically use the same mounting rails as you would
with a ground mount system, so there are very few limitations to what you can do.
There are also some disadvantages with pole mounts, including:
If your roofs are not structurally sound, then the racks may be difficult to install. If this is the case,
you should look into hiring someone who knows how to work around existing structures.
They require a significant amount of space, which may not be convenient for homes with tight
spacing.
3. Lift Systems
Lift systems are a good option for those who do not have the time to deal with an installation but want something
that can easily be removed when it is no longer needed. This system requires minimal effort from you and works
well if you need to set up your solar panels temporarily or if you do not plan on leaving them up for an extended
period.
The downside to lifting systems is that they are quite expensive, which might not be ideal if you are on a tight
budget. They also take up a lot of space and will have to be installed close to the main building so that they are
accessible for your maintenance technician. You need a large area to set up a lift system, so it is not ideal for
smaller homes.
4. Rooftop Mounts
Rooftop mounts are the most common types of mounting systems that you will come across because they are
relatively inexpensive and easy to install. This type of system makes it possible for nearly anyone to get their panels
up and to run in relatively little time. Rooftop mounts are beneficial because they can be installed anywhere on your
roof or structure, which gives you the ability to find the perfect spot for your solar panels (based on access, shade
avoidance, etc.).
There are some disadvantages to rooftop mounts:
If you live in an area with a lot of wind, this might not be the best type of system for you.
They need to be installed by professionals who have experience working around existing structures,
especially if there are complicated layouts or multiple roofs.
5. Bipod Mounts
An alternative rooftop mount system relies on bipod mounts. These are similar to truss mounts, but they are less
complicated and can be used in tight spaces. These significantly reduce installation time and save you money on
labor costs by allowing you to install the system yourself.
Bipod mounts are also beneficial because they can be easily disconnected when you need access to areas that the
mounting system would otherwise cover. If you need to go up on your roof for inspection or repairs, then this might
be the ideal system for you.
The downside is that these are not typically designed with wind resistance in mind, so they may have issues in high-
wind areas. They can also be difficult to install if you do not have experience working with mounting systems, and
it can be a challenge to find a good spot for the bipods.
6. Ground Mounts
Ground mounts are beneficial because they typically require the least amount of effort on your part and have some
of the lowest installation costs. This is also one of the safest options because it does not require any climbing.
Ground mounts are not very efficient in high-wind areas, which is why you need to look at the specifications of any
mounting system before you purchase it. They also cannot be used on every roofing structure out there, so this
might not be the best option if your home has multiple roofs or complicated layouts.
Panel Orientation
To determine the best orientation for your property, you need to consider how much shade an area will get and if
there is a strong prevailing wind direction. If you install your solar panels in landscape orientation, then they must
be installed parallel to each other with consistent spacing between them. It is important to keep the same pitch on
each mounting system. If they are not parallel then, you need to use pole mounts instead of roof-mounted panels.
If your site is shaded half the time, then it might be beneficial for you to put up your solar panels in portrait
orientation, which will allow them to catch sunlight even when they are partially blocked by shade. This can
significantly improve your solar energy collection, and you typically do not need to worry about wind resistance.
Panel Orientation – North Facing
If you live in a very cold climate, then the northern-facing panels should be oriented vertically rather than
horizontally. If they are installed horizontally, snow will accumulate on them, making it difficult to clean them. The
snow could also accumulate on the top of your racking system and make it more likely that it will collapse, which
means you need to monitor your system closely.
Panel Orientation – East/West Facing
The east and west-facing panels should be oriented horizontally as in parallel to the roof. This will ensure that they
are not blocked by shade that can affect their efficiency and prevent you from reaping all of the benefits of your
solar system. The panels should be spaced about 2 ft apart to allow for proper airflow in hot weather conditions,
which can help to increase their energy output. Efficiency is also improved because the east and west-facing panels
are exposed to sunlight for longer periods, making it easier for them to generate energy.
Panel Orientation – South Facing
The south-facing panels should be installed vertically in landscape orientation as in parallel to one another. This
ensures that they will not be blocked by objects such as vents and chimneys. You should try to space them about 12
apart, which is about 2 ft for every inch of thickness.
The south-facing panels are most useful for generating energy in the summer months, which is why solar experts
typically recommend that you orient them at a 90-degree angle to the roof surface. They should also be installed
directly on top of your racking system because this will help to keep them secure and ensure they do not fall off or
move around when there are strong winds.
The modular design of your solar system makes it easy to increase the number of panels as you become more
energy conscious and adopt renewable technology into your home. You will need to create a new circuit breaker
capable of running an additional 100 amps, but this can be done relatively quickly with the correct tools for the job.
The racking system should be strong enough to support the additional weight that will be applied to it. You may
want to consider using a sturdier ground mount instead of a roof-mounted system if you decide to increase the
number of panels because this could prevent any accidents from occurring and ensure your investment is well
protected.
Solar grid systems are designed to be functional rather than aesthetically pleasing. This means they typically consist
of black or grey panels with silver racking easily visible against a white roof surface. You may wish to consider
installing solar film or painting your roof a dark color if you do not like the look of your system.
Protective measures should also be taken to ensure that there is no chance of anyone being electrocuted by the
panels or parts of your racking system. You can attach protective device covers to circuit breakers and inverters, as
well as dead front fuses on your main panel.
Chapter 7
The main concern with having a solar power setup for their home or business is the cost for most people. Even
though the prices for solar panels and other accessories have come down over the past few years, it is still quite an
investment when you compare it to the average utility bill. In most cases, even with people who use a relatively
large amount of electricity, solar power can take anywhere from 10 to 20 years to pay for itself. After that, you will
be basically using free electricity. Many people don't realize that a large portion of the cost of the solar power
system is actually the labor cost of having it installed.
The labor cost is such a big factor that if you were to do the installation yourself, you could halve the cost of the
solar setup. This means that rather than breaking even in 10 years, you could do that in 5 years, and in the sixth
year, you would be using electricity for free. That sounds like a much more reasonable deal for most people. The
catch is that installing it yourself isn't that easy. The actual labor part, where you move the panels, drill holes, and
secure them to the frames, is relatively straightforward. They are a bunch of prefabricated components that you just
need to assemble. The tricky part is figuring out how you can install your panels in a way that you will maximize
output and minimize losses.
For example, if you have ever used solar panels for a camping trip or have solar panels mounted on your car or RV
to run the onboard fridge and other electronics, you will know that simply having the panel on the roof does the job.
But that doesn't mean you are getting the most out of the system. You might have a 400watt solar panel, but you are
only actually getting 230 or 250 watts out of it. This difference can be brushed off when it comes to a vehicle or a
mobile setup since you aren't using a lot of panels, and it is not very convenient to have a fully optimized solar
setup on a vehicle that is constantly moving, changing directions, and altitudes.
It's a different ball game when you have to install solar panels for your home where you are going to be generating
thousands of watts of power and using this system every single day. More importantly, panels mounted in your
backyard or on the roof are not going to be moving, and this means if you do the job right, you could be getting up
to 80% or even more efficiency out of them. Combined with the fact that residential or commercial solar power
system setups can be extremely expensive, you want to be able to get the highest return on your investment.
Luckily, this is possible, and you can even do it on your own with a little bit of information about what makes a
solar system perform optimally.
Let's look at some of the most important things you need to take into consideration to get the most out of your solar
system.
Location
Many people are under the impression that solar panels need to be mounted on your roof and that the roof is the best
place. While this might have been true a few years ago when we only had panels that could be mounted in a specific
way, this concept is changing rapidly with the latest kinds of panels. Today, users have the option to select from a
wide variety of solar panels that can be used in many different ways.
For instance, today, we have solar panels shaped like window glass, and some varieties of those are actually
completely transparent, just like a real window. These panels can be installed in place of your regular glass
windows, and you can save your roof space for other things. While the fully transparent version is slightly more
expensive, you can get more affordable options that aren't fully transparent that provide a bit more privacy and also
produce electricity.
Similarly, you can also get solar panel sheets. These look just like a big rolled-up sheet of plastic, and you can lay it
out wherever you want. While these are very popular in mobile applications, they can also be used really efficiently
for residential purposes. All you need is a bit of space, and you don't have to worry about creating solid frames and
actually mounting a solar panel on your roof. Also, you can get a lot of lights that already have solar panels built
into them. Usually, these are external lights that are mounted outside a building, but this solution saves you the
hassle of having to install a light and then wire it up to the mainboard, where it can draw energy from overhead
solar panels. All you need to do with these lights is set them up outside and turn them on. As the light gets charged
in the day, it will turn on at night when it senses that daylight has faded away, and that's all there is to it. So, if you
are looking to install security lights in your home, this is a fantastic way to save electricity as they tend to stay on all
night.
If you want a tiled roof and don't want to ruin it just to accommodate some solar panels, you can get solar tiles.
These tiles look just like regular roof tiles, but they have solar charging mechanisms built into them, and they
generate electricity. If you already have roof tiles installed and you are considering getting an upgrade, this could be
the perfect solution. It will save you a lot of money and time in terms of ease of installation, and it will give you all
the benefits you would want from a solar power system.
If you live in a house with an attic, a wooden roof, or a roof that might not withstand the weight of a solar setup and
you don't want to use the space on solar panels, you don't have to. You can always install solar panels on the ground
in the backyard or in any other vacant space with enough exposure to sunlight.
Another great way to save space on your roof is to opt for solar-powered versions of electric geysers and air
conditioners. A solar geyser completely eliminates the need to have solar panels. Instead, the solar piping on the
solar geysers uses similar technology to heat water using sunlight, and in this way, you have hot water all day long
and plenty of stored hot water to use when the sun goes down. Not only does this save you a lot of space for the
solar panels, but it also makes the entire process a lot more efficient and eliminates the need for electricity
altogether.
Installing your solar panels is tricky enough. It can also be very hard to determine whether they're working as well
as they should be. Many people have no idea whether their solar panels are working properly. Others that face
problems may suspect that they had messed up their calculations. Leaving an issue unfixed, whether you are aware
of it or not, can be very troublesome.
People connected to the grid and use solar panels to cut down their costs generally assume that their electricity bills
can indicate whether their solar panels are not performing well. This is why individuals who live off the grid believe
they are at a disadvantage and that there's no way they can assess their solar system's performance. However, what
most people don't know is that this method of checking is highly unreliable. Taking a look at their bill does not
indicate the efficiency of their investment. The bill doesn't depict the total energy generated by the PV system. It
also doesn't reflect how much energy was consumed in the house. Instead, it only reflects the amount of solar power
sent out to the grid, and the amount of energy that they've gotten.
If something goes wrong with their solar system and they experience a decreased output or their inverter gets
damaged and stops operating entirely, the grid immediately offers power instead. The majority of people receive
their energy bills every quarter. 3 months is a long time for the solar system to be out and costing you a lot of
money. Besides, the power production of solar systems alternates with the seasons, along with the shortening or
lengthening available hours of sunlight. One's household and energy consumption patterns change with the seasons.
This means that the electricity bills that they receive every 3 months are not consistent.
Solar PV systems work perfectly for months, and even years, with no problems whatsoever. However, statistics
show that it's not uncommon for unexpected issues to appear out of thin air and cost you a great deal of time,
money, and effort. Fortunately, in this chapter, you will learn how to check your system's health and performance.
You may be surprised to learn that most solar power system owners forget to check their inverters. If this doesn't
come across as a surprise, then the chances are that you need to be checking your inverter more often. According to
statistics, around 20% of people experience frequent issues with their inverters. How would you know if there's
something wrong with your inverter, and what should you look for? All you should do is look at the color of the
lights on your box. You should always look at them in the morning when your system is supposed to be operating.
If the lights are flashing red or orange light, check the error code on display. If this happens, launch the web portal
to check the inverter's user interface in order to understand the cause of the issue. You may also want to check with
your solar provider. Generally, inverters fail when grid errors, such as a voltage that is too high or too low, occur.
There may also be an issue with the earthing system. Another reason your inverter may be failing is that its circuit
breaker was tripped.
A green light on many modern inverters indicates that there is over 90% output. This means that your solar system
is functioning perfectly. If the output is below 90%, the light would be flashing. If you have an old model, your
inverter may not have an online interface. You may also find that it has a yellow light instead of a red one to signify
an error.
Staying Safe
Like all work that involves electricity, installing an off-grid solar system carries its own safety issues.
Unfortunately, most people are unaware of the safety measures that must be followed while installing a solar
system. Off-grid solar sources are often deemed less vulnerable and complicated and come with an inherent
assumption that there are fewer safety issues to address during their installation. However, despite it not being
connected to the utility grid, the system is responsible for conducting electricity, which means that following safety
protocols during installation is paramount. Taking proactive measures during this process can prevent unnecessary
injuries during the installation and improve the chances of the system working safely and correctly in the future.
This chapter is dedicated to the safety measures that must be followed to protect whoever installs the system from
any danger. Apart from safety issues, taking the necessary precautions can also make sure that you are able to
adhere to all the relevant safety standards set by most solar system manufacturers and relevant authorities.
Learning about solar safety is critical before attempting to install an off-grid solar system. The information listed in
this chapter can be a great stepping stone for gathering more knowledge about electrical components. However, in
order to guarantee your safety and the electrical security of your system, it's best to consult the manufacturers of the
component you are using in your setup and ask them for more information.
Chapter 10
Newbies to off-grid solar power are prone to making mistakes, and some of them can be expensive. These are the
most common mistakes you must avoid, and you can do it simply by doing your research first and not diving in
head-first:
1. Confusing Off-Grid and Grid-Tie
Although the idea of going completely off-grid might sound appealing, the reality is very different, and most people
would do better with a grid-tie system. What’s the difference?
With an off-grid system, you need to ensure you have a battery bank to store the generated power. In contrast, in a
grid-tie system, the utility companies store it in the grid, making it readily available when you need it.
2. Thinking That You Won’t Suffer Power Outages
Most people assume that solar power means you still have lights when the power goes out. With a grid-tie system,
this doesn’t work because the power is stored in the power grid. There is nothing to feed that backup power to your
property if the power goes out, but you can get around this by having a battery backup on your grid-tie system.
3. Leasing Your Solar Power System
Purchasing a solar power system is not cheap, but it is a sound investment. Leasing through a PPA (Power
Purchasing Agreement) from a third party isn’t. First, you will never own your system – your lender does, which
means they have access to all the incentives. Local rebates and 30% federal tax credit all go to them, not you.
Add to that the premium you pay to lease your system, including interest, and it could work out twice as expensive
as purchasing your won system from the start. If you are considering selling your home at some point, the leased
system makes it harder to do so as the lease has to be transferred to the new owner or paid off in full and the cost
added to your price – neither are attractive options for buyers.
4. Not Planning Ahead
Most solar panels have a 20 to 25-year warranty on them but are you really going to go that long with no changes in
your life?
The biggest mistake is only thinking about the now when you plan your system and not considering how your
future needs might change. You might be planning to have kids or purchase an electric vehicle that requires
charging. In both cases, your power requirements will change, and you will need to expand your system. Here are
some things to consider:
Do you have enough space to expand? If your current system covers your entire roof, where will
you put additional panels?
Can your system be expanded? Many people make the mistake of thinking they can just add extra
panels without considering that the rest of the system would need to be upsized to cope. Most
central inverters can only cope with a certain number of panels, so adding a few more isn’t that
simple.
Consider micro-inverters – each panel has its own inverter, so expanding is as simple as pairing a
panel with another micro-inverter.
Consider the size of your battery bank – older systems cannot always be expanded, meaning a
whole new set of batteries.
Lots of things must be considered, so always think about future needs when you plan your system.
1. Paying Too Much for Your Installation
One of the first things people do when they think about going solar is using turnkey installations. These all-in-one
solutions design your system, get the parts and install it – convenient but expensive. They may charge anywhere
between 100 and 200% of the equipment cost as their installation fee, so, for example, a system costing $10,000 in
equipment costs could cost you between $10,000 and $20,000 to install.
However, you can purchase packaged systems from wholesalers and build them yourself or pay a contractor to
install them for you.
2. Building a DIY System
By this, I mean those people who acquire the parts for their system over time from different sources – even eBay
and Amazon. Then, when they try to build the system, they end up with a strange, Frankenstein-like system that
will never work properly.
Having a pile of parts isn’t enough – those parts must be compatible. If not, you end up with undersized inverters,
different sized panels that don’t fit together on the mount, components that can’t be wired together because they
have different connectors, and many more headaches that can easily be avoided.
The bottom line is this – do your research. Speak to solar installers and designers and make sure your system is
right for your needs before you put your hands deep into your pocket. Don’t be tempted to buy the parts from all
over the place – you won’t get it together, and it will never work. Save yourself time and money and do it right in
the first place.
Conclusion
Solar energy is becoming an increasingly popular form of alternative energy source around the world, bringing
numerous benefits to its users. Capturing the sun's power is free, and with a small investment into the necessary
equipment, anyone can set up a solar power system. As soon as the panels are installed and connected to the other
necessary elements, they will start producing energy. The efficiency of modern solar systems makes it possible for
owners to see a significant return on investment within the first year of installation. If not in energy bills, they will
notice the payback when selling their property. Solar panels can significantly increase the market value of the
property and have become sought after by buyers.
With an off-grid system, you can do even more. These autonomous power generators produce electricity the same
way as their grid counterparts. They do that by harnessing the sun's energy and converting it into alternating current.
However, because they have no connection to the utility grid, they allow for complete self-sufficiency. The system
stores any energy it produces in a series of batteries, which you can use during the night and whenever the system
isn't able to generate power due to weather or any other reason. Despite this system requiring a few more
components than the grid-tied version, you will never depend on our utility company for energy again.
Due to the high level of independence, off-grid solar systems have a lot more room for customization. Whether you
want to use a solar system for indoor or outdoor living, you can set up an efficient system that will suit your needs
with the right strategy. With the rapid depletion of the world's fossil fuel supplies, an array that allows you to
produce all your energy provides solutions to a number of essential problems. Since it relies on a pure energy
source, an off-grid system is significantly more eco-friendly than relying on greenhouse gases.
If you aren't familiar with solar power setups, understanding how they work can prove rather challenging. This
book will help you understand how an appropriately set up off-grid system can make your home self-reliant energy-
wise. In addition to reducing or even eliminating your utility bills, solar energy provides you with an opportunity to
build a more sustainable future. But before you plan your dream setup, you must familiarize yourself with the main
components of an off-grid solar system. Furthermore, you will need to learn how to calculate your needs in order to
build an array that will effectively cut down on energy waste and provide you with the amount you need.
This book also contains several advanced methods and strategies to help you build the most efficient solar systems
for your needs. You will learn about the different structural components of an off-grid solar system and its
functions. After learning these functions, it will be much easier to determine what kind of adjustments you may
need. Also, to build an effective and safe off-grid power system, you need to keep the structural and safety issues of
installing solar systems in mind. Remember, these systems gather, produce, and conduct electricity, so they should
be handled with extreme precaution.
Thank you for buying and reading/listening to our book. If you found this book useful/helpful please take a few
minutes and leave a review on Amazon.com or Audible.com (if you bought the audio version).
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