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 Table of Contents

OFF GRID SOLAR POWER

A Comprehensive Beginner's Guide to Learning, Designing and Building Photovoltaic Solar Power System for
RVs, Cabins, Vans, Boats and Homes
Chapter 1: Solar Energy Fundamentals
How Does Solar Energy Work?
Types of Solar Energy Systems
Chapter 2: History of Solar Energy
Chapter 3: Solar Energy Technologies
Solar Heating and Cooling
Concentrating Solar Power
Key limitations of Concentrating Solar Power Plants and Solar Water Heaters
Chapter 4: Photovoltaics
How Does PV Technology Work?
Types of Photovoltaics
Materials Used in Photovoltaics
Chapter 5: Installation of Off-Grid Solar Systems (A Summary)
What Are the Components of an Off-Grid Solar System?
Sizing an Off-Grid Solar System
Chapter 6: Designing/Planning an Off-Grid Solar System
Site Assessment
Energy Calculations for Off-Grid Solar Installations
The Lead Acid Battery
Lithium-Ion Batteries
AC or DC Power
Chapter 7: Building & Installing an Off-Grid Solar System
Building Your Solar Shed/Battery House
Installing the Solar Panels
Wiring Your Off-Grid PV Solar System
Chapter 8: Operation and Maintenance of Off-Grid PV Systems
Types of PV Maintenance
Maintenance of Different PV Components
Important Considerations for PV System Wiring Maintenance
Off-Grid Solar Power Battery Maintenance
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips for Solar Panels
Chapter 9: Economics of Off-Grid PV Solar Power
Cost of Solar Power for Homes
Benefits of Solar Power for Homes
Calculating the Cost of Solar Power
Chapter 10: Possible Issues, Challenges, and Peculiarities of Off-Grid Solar Systems
Common Design Issues With Off-Grid Solar Systems
Troubleshooting Common Issues With Off-Grid PV Solar Energy Systems
Peculiarities of Off-Grid Solar Energy Systems
Conclusion
References

OFF GRID SOLAR POWER

Tips and Tricks to Efficiently Plan, Build and Install Off-Grid Solar Power Systems Indoors and Outdoors to
Achieve Home Energy Independence
Introduction
Chapter 1: Solar Power 101
Where Can Solar Energy Be Used?
Solar Power Benefits
Solar Power Drawbacks
Chapter 2: What You Need
Components for an Off-Grid Solar power system
Other Components
Chapter 3: Off-Grid Solar Power System Costs
Off-Grid Solar power system Cost Based on Type
Chapter 4: How Many Panels Do You Need?
How to Calculate Usage
How Much Solar Power Is Needed?
Determining the Watts You Need
Other Factors that Affect Efficiency of Solar Output
What Effect Does Solar Panel Size Have on Energy Generated?
Load Considerations for Water Pumps
Solar Power Required for a Fridge
Chapter 5: Building I: Site Survey
Ways to Protect Components
Chapter 6: Building II: Planning and Design
Cable Sizing
Chapter 7: Building III: Tools Needed
Essential Tools
Chapter 8: Building IV: RVs, Small Homes, Boats
Power Needs for Small Homes, Boats, and RVs
Chapter 9: Maintenance
PV Panel Maintenance
Tips on Cleaning PV Panels
Battery Care
Additional Solar power system Maintenance Tips
Chapter 10: Legalities, Laws, Etc
Model Codes and Where to Find Them
Off-the-Grid Solar Panels Legalities
RVs and Off-the-Grid
Permits and Off-the-Grid Solar Panels
Things to Know
Conclusion
References
 OFF GRID SOLAR POWER
Advanced Methods and Strategies to Build the Most Efficient Solar Systems for Indoor and Outdoor Living
Introduction
Chapter 1: What Is Solar Power?
Photovoltaic Cells
Solar-Thermal Power
Why You Should Get Solar Power for Your Homestead
Chapter 2: The Difference between Off-Grid and On-Grid Solar Energy
On-Grid
Off-Grid
Hybrid
Which System Should You Get?
Chapter 3: Types of Off-Grid Solar Power Systems
Direct Current (DC) Solar Power Systems
AC Coupled Systems
Hybrid Solar Systems
Direct Grid-Tie Systems
Battery Backup Systems
Chapter 4: Building Your Solar Power System
Things to Know before Installing Your Solar Power System
Calculating Your Electric Load
Solar System Components for Off-Grid Solar Setup
Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Solar Panel
Types of Solar Charge Controllers
Solar Charge Controller Brands and Prices
Size and Number of Batteries in Your System
Types of Batteries
Battery Management System
Selecting the Battery Size
Inverter for Off-Grid Solar Power System
Types of Inverters
Choosing the Right Inverter
Power Fuses - Overload Protection
Chapter 5: How to Calculate Loads
How Do You Calculate Your Energy Needs
How to Calculate the Number of Solar Panels You Require?
How to Reduce Electrical Needs
Chapter 6: Setting Up Your Solar Grid Network
How to Build Your Solar Grid Network
The Structures of the Solar Grid Network
Building Your Solar Panel Rack
Solar Panel Cable Runs
Wiring Your Solar Grid Network
Plan Your Cables Properly
Types of Connections
Planning the Power Center
Planning Out Your Cable Runs
 Cable Sizing
Protection Devices
Connecting Your System Together
Mounting All the Components
Feeding Your Bus Bars
Understanding the Inverter and Mains Service Panel
Racking Systems for Solar Arrays and Batteries
Mounting Racks Directly to Structures
Panel Orientation
Chapter 7: Things to Take into Consideration
Location
Measuring Space and Making Adjustments
Adjusting Panels According to Sun and Shade
Adjusting Panels According to Roof Size
How to Place Your Panels
Chapter 8: How to Assess Your Work
Check Your Panels
Inspect the Inverter
Check the System's Data
Invest in a Third-Party Solar Monitor
Chapter 9: Staying Safe
Risks Involving Specific Worksites
Wearing Personal Protective Equipment
Preparing for a Bad Weather
Lifting and Handling Solar Panels
Additional Tips for Working on Roofs
Working with Electricity
Additional Important Safety Rules
Chapter 10: Avoiding Costly Mistakes
Conclusion
References
 Off Grid
Solar Power
A Comprehensive Beginner's Guide to Learning, Designing and
Building Photovoltaic Solar Power System for RVs, Cabins, Vans,
Boats and Homes

GEORGE BAILEY
 Chapter 1

Solar Energy Fundamentals

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.

How Does Solar Energy Work?

One of the fundamentals of off-grid solar energy worthy of mentioning is the simplicity of the process that
generates this electricity. This simplicity is another factor that accounts for the growing popularity of solar power.
Basically, solar power is produced by harnessing heat and radiant light from the sun and converting it to energy that
can be used to power homes, businesses, and even industrial tools and machines. The electricity is typically
generated during hot afternoons, which coincidentally is the peak period for the demand for electricity with air-
conditioners turned on full blast. However, it is also possible to store generated solar energy for use later at night or
even for the winter months when there is limited sunlight.
Different types of systems can be designed to collect and store this solar energy. The most common type of solar
energy installation is often referred to as an active solar system. This refers to systems that use a mechanism such as
a solar panel installed on a roof to capture sunlight and convert it to solar energy in usable form.
These solar panels consist of photovoltaic cells (PV cells) designed to capture photons (sunlight particles) using
semiconducting materials like silicon. The PV cells will then convert these photos into usable DV electricity. The
DC current is further converted to alternating current (AC) electricity which is then transmitted to a home’s breaker
box panel and subsequently distributed to electrical components in your home like the lights, computers, and other
appliances.
Depending on the system's setup and how much power you can generate (due to your location and size of the
panels), you may need to be connected to the local electricity grid. In this case, you can access the supplementary
power you might need. For solar systems that generate an excess of what you need, you may still be able to sell off
excess energy into the grid for other people to use. This is a concept known as net metering. However, it is also
possible to have a solar system installation that is not connected to the grid at all. This is known as off-grid solar
power.

Types of Solar Energy Systems

Photovoltaic systems are the most popular solar energy system. However, they are not the only types available.
There are other ways solar energy can be harnessed for home or industrial applications.
Photovoltaic Systems
This is the most common way to harness solar power. Photovoltaic systems are also commonly referred to as solar
cell systems, designed to produce electricity directly. The basic principle of the technology powering PV systems is
the same as what you see on solar-powered clocks or small calculators.
PV cells, which are the most prominent component of PV systems, are made from semi-conductive materials which
can absorb sunlight. This creates a reaction within the cells that generate electric power. To be precise, the solar
energy collected free electrons from the atoms of the semi-conductors to produce electric energy.
Today’s solar panels are designed to collect and convert energy from most of the visible light spectrum. They can
also harness power from half of the light from the infrared and ultraviolet spectrum. The PV cells are usually
combined to form large modules that can hold as many as 40 cells. As a whole, the entire module can be several
meters long. These flat-plate arrays can subsequently be mounted in a fixed direction (facing south) or placed on a
device that simply follows the sun through the course of the day. This makes it possible to capture sunlight
throughout the day.
Several of these PV cell arrays would be needed to power an entire household. For large commercial utilities or
industrial installations, hundreds of PV arrays would have to be connected to form large single systems. However,
smaller arrays can be used to power RVs, cabins, or boats.
Thin-Film Cells
This is a more recent modification of the conventional PV solar cells. These solar cells use a special type of
semiconductor material that is just a few micrometers in thickness. This technology makes it possible to incorporate
solar cells directly into roof tiles, rooftop shingles, and building facades. This maximizes the use of available space
to capture sunlight without the need to install a separate PV array.
Solar Water Heating Systems
Another way solar energy is being harnessed is through the use of solar hot water systems. As the name suggests,
this type of system is used to heat water using the heat from the sun. The idea behind solar water heating replicates
a natural system in place in nature. You may notice how the shallow water of a lake or on a shallow end of a beach
is typically warmer compared to the deeper ends of the water. In principle, sunlight heats the bottom of the lake in
these shallow areas, which heats the water.
This same principle is applied in designing a solar water heating system used in a building. Solar heating systems
typically consist of two parts which are the solar collector and storage tank. There are different types of collectors,
but the most commonly used one is known as a flat-plate collector. This is usually mounted on the roof in a
direction facing the sun. Small tubes are connected to this box. These tubes carry a liquid such as an anti-freeze
solution or just water. As the collector heats up, it heats the fluid as they pass through the tubes. The heated liquid is
then circulated in the storage tank. This same technology can also be applied to heating swimming pools.
Solar Power Plants
Another way energy from the sun is often harnessed is through solar power plants. This is more commonly used in
industrial setups in place of non-renewable fossil fuels, which are now considered bad for the environment due to
the emission of greenhouse gases and other pollutants.
However, solar power plants present a new generation of solar technology which provides cleaner and safer energy
by harnessing heat from the sun. Solar power plants can be powered in three different ways.
Parabolic-Trough Systems
In this type of system, solar energy is captured with long rectangular or curved mirrors which are tilted towards the
sun. They help to harness and focus sunlight on pipes containing oil. The heated oil is then used for boiling water in
a steam generator which produces electricity.
Dish/Engine Systems
Another alternative is to use a mirrored dish (usually in the shape of a satellite dish) to collect and concentrate solar
heat on a receiver. This receiver is able to absorb and transfer heat to fluid in an engine. Within the engine, the
heated fluid expands against a turbine or piston, and this produces mechanical power used to run a generator or
power an alternator that produces electricity.
Power Tower System
A power tower system typically consists of a large field of mirrors that are used to concentrate sunlight to the top of
a tower, where it heats molten salt. The heated salt is used to generate electricity in a steam generator. Molten salt is
used for this setup because of its ability to retain heat, making it possible to store electricity for several days even
before it is converted to electricity. This makes it possible to produce electricity consistently no matter the solar
condition for the day.
Passive Solar Heating
Another method for harnessing solar power is through the use of passive solar heating systems. This is also known
as daylighting. This method of harnessing solar power has been around for several centuries and is indeed the
earliest attempt of humans to harness solar power. This method is based on the sun’s natural ability to heat things
up. It involves designing buildings and structures in a way that allows them to feel the sun’s energy a bit more.
For instance, a south-facing window in a building will naturally receive more sunlight. Other methods that
incorporate materials like sunlit walls and floors to absorb and store the sun’s heat can also be considered passive
solar heating. These materials can harness and store up the heat during the day then release slowly at night when
they are needed to warm up the home. Another example of a system like this is what is known as a sunspace. This
is a sort of greenhouse that can concentrate the sun’s warmth and distribute it to an entire building giving the right
ventilation.
These are some of the ways solar energy can be harnessed as an alternative to conventional energy. Some of these
methods of generating electricity from solar energy will be considered in greater detail in later sections of this book.
Understanding them will help you see solar energy potentials beyond just powering your small cabin or home.
 Chapter 2

History of Solar Energy

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

Solar Energy Technologies

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.

Solar Heating and Cooling

Solar heating & cooling (SHC) systems harness the sun’s thermal energy and use the heat to supply hot water and
space heating for residential, commercial, and even industrial applications. Like photovoltaic systems, SHC systems
can also provide renewable energy as a cleaner alternative to natural gas or electricity for the various purposes it
serves. The now thriving solar heating industry may also employ labor while helping to cut down on dependence on
non-renewable fuels.
Solar heating and cooling systems are quite affordable compared to conventional systems. Households may be able
to recoup their investment in as early as 3 to 6 years of switching to this system. This can help save a lot of costs
because water heating, space heating, and cooling account for as much as 70 household energy usage.
SHC systems also have potentials in commercial applications where they may help companies save costs by cutting
down on energy bills in the long term. These potentials for adoption are part of what has been driving the rapid
growth of the solar heating and cooling industry. For example, in 2010, over 35,000 solar water heater systems and
around the same number of solar pool heating systems were installed in the USA – in just one year. In the past
decade, between 10,000-50,000 square feet of solar air heating installations have been carried out all over the US.
This shows the large-scale potentials of SHC heating for addressing space and water heating demands in domestic
settings.
How Does Domestic Solar Water Heating Work?
Domestics solar water heating systems installed in most homes typically consist of three main elements. This
includes a solar collector, a storage tank for the hot water, and insulated piping connecting the solar collector to the
storage tank. Additional components such as electronic controls, anti-freeze protection, and so on may also be
installed.

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.

Concentrating Solar Power

Concentrating Solar Power Systems are mostly built for industrial applications. These are plants that use large
arrays of mirrors to harness solar energy to power traditional engines and steam turbines to create electricity. They
are mostly large scape units that can generate and store electricity for later use. Today, there are CSP power plants
in the US that generate as much as 1,815 Megawatts of electricity.
Types of Concentrating Solar Plants
There are different types of concentrating solar plants. They have varying parts and components but operate on
pretty much the same principle:
Parabolic Trough
A parabolic trough module uses curved mirrors to direct solar energy onto a receiving tube that runs down the
center of the trough. The tube typically contains fluids that are efficient for heat transfer, such as synthetic oil. The
fluid absorbs thermal energy and may reach temperatures as high as 750°F or even higher.
The heated fluid is then circulated through a heat exchange, and the heat generated is used to boil water to produce
steam. The steam produced through this mechanism can then be used to drive a conventional steam system to
generate electricity.
Typically, parabolic troughs are made up of large collector modules that may be as much as 15 to 20 ft tall and up
to 300 to 450feet in length. They are usually installed in large fields that may contain hundreds of rows of these
machines connected as a series of loops. They are typically positioned in a north-south direction and may be able to
track the movement of the sun.
Compact Linear Fresnel Reflector
The CFLR system is a modification of the curved mirror trough systems. Both systems operate on the same
principle. However, in the case of a compact linear Fresnel reflector, rows of flat mirrors are used instead of curved
mirrors. These are generally cheaper than parabolic through mirrors. The modular reflectors are designed to focus
solar energy onto elevated receivers that contain a system of tubes carrying a conducting fluid or water. The high-
pressure steam generated from boiling water this way is then used directly for power generation or other industrial
steam applications.
Power Tower
Power tower systems also operate on this principle. However, in this case, a central receiver system is used. This
makes it possible to achieve even higher operating temperature and makes the system a lot more energy-efficient.
The heliostats used in power towers are computer-controlled to track the sun and focus solar energy on a receiving
tower. The heat transfer fluid in this system can be heated to as much as 1,000° F to produce steam that can power a
single generator.
Dish-Engine
A dish engine is an even more efficient concentrated solar power plant. Instead of using water, a dish engine system
heats up a working fluid such as hydrogen (instead of water) to temperatures as high as 1,200° F using a system of
mirrors that are distributed on a parabolic surface. The mirrors focus sunlight onto a receiver. The mirrors in a dish
engine system are often programmed to rotate and track the sun as it moves.
The energies generated in all of these systems can be incorporated directly into industrial projects and may also be
stored for later use.

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.

How Does PV Technology Work?

The technology behind the way photovoltaics work is very simple. When photons hit a semiconductor material
such as Silicon on the solar panel, it ionizes, causing outer electrons on the silicon to be freed from their atomic
bond. The freed electrons are forced to flow in one direction, and this creates a flow of electrical current.
Not all the light particles that hit the solar cells are converted to electricity. Some light particles within the light
spectrum cannot be absorbed. Instead, they are reflected. Some particles (infrared rays) are too weak to create
electricity, while some rays (such as ultraviolet) create heat instead of electricity. This is why solar cells are never
100% efficient.
The most common material used in making solar cells is silicon. However, thin-film semiconductor materials are
now becoming very popular as well. Silicon cells are generally more efficient in converting sunlight to electricity.
But they tend to be expensive to manufacture, which is why thin-film materials are now becoming more popular
despite being less efficient. Thin-film materials are simpler to manufacture and cost less to produce.
Another special type of solar cell known as tandem cells or multi-junction cells is used for applications where
higher efficiency and low weight are required. Hence they are more popular for constructing solar cells in satellites
and military applications.

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

Photovoltaic Panel Design

Before we discuss each material, it is helpful to have an idea of how a typical PV panel is designed since the choice
of material is just one aspect. A solar panel typically consists of different layers. This includes a glass layer, a
protective layer, and a front contact layer that covers the individual solar cells.
The solar cells are connected in series on the panel. Beneath these layers, there are metal back contacts that serve
the purpose of conducting the electricity generated. The back contacts are laminated to make the cells waterproof
and also to protect them from excess heat. There is also a protective layer at the back which can be made of metal,
glass, or plastic material.
Solar Cell Materials
The most important component of the solar cell is the semiconducting material that generates electricity. The type
of semiconducting material may vary from one system to the other. However, in most solar cells, they are usually of
two types which consist of a p-type and an n-type semiconductor. This helps to create what is known as a p-n
junction.
When light of the right wavelength hits the solar cell, the materials absorb energy, leading to electrons being
knocked off the semiconductor. The electrons are promoted to the semiconductor's conduction band, which
typically leaves a space in the valence band. The charge produced is then moved by the outer contacts of the
material.
Silicon
Silicon is the most popular semi-conductor used in the majority of solar panels sold today. Approximately 90% of
solar cells are made with silicon material. The major factor that influences the widespread usage of silicon in solar
panels is its efficiency. Research has shown that the bandgap at which a semiconductor in a single p-n junction PV
cell can achieve maximum conversion efficiency is at 1.3ev. Silicon has a bandgap of 1.1ev, which makes it quite
efficient compared to many of the other options. There are different types of silicon materials used in solar panels.
Crystalline Silicon
Crystalline silicon is the most popular form of silicon material used in making solar cells. It yields a high energy
output with an efficiency of 22%. This is the highest output of all the mass-produced solar panel materials in the
market. However, asides from being efficient, another factor that accounts for the popularity of crystalline silicon is
its durability. Solar panels made with this material can last for as much as 25 years without deterioration. To
improve the efficiency of crystalline silicon solar panels, they may be coated with chemicals that help to reduce
how much light reflects away from its surface. Examples of chemicals used to coat silicon solar panels include
titanium dioxide and silicon nitride
Amorphous Silicon
Amorphous silicon is so-called because it does not have a crystalline structure. This type of silicon is used to create
thin-film solar cells that are commonly used on smaller solar panels that power private homes, RVs, and other small
structures.
Unlike crystalline silicon that is manufactured by seeding silicon, this type of silicon cell is produced through the
vapor deposition of silicon on a thin film of glass or metal measuring about 1µm. As a result, amorphous Silicon
cells are not very efficient. Solar panels made with this type of silicon only have an efficiency of about 7%. This
reduced efficiency can be attributed to the degradation of the material as a result of exposure to sun rays.
Gallium Arsenide
Another material that has become quite popular in recent years for making solar panels is Gallium Arsenide. This is
a semiconductor made by combining gallium and arsenic to form a compound. It is a highly efficient semi-
conductor known for its high-energy yield. In fact, Gallium arsenide is theoretically more efficient than Silicon. Its
bandgap of 1.49 eV is higher than that of Silicon which is only 1.1eV.
However, Gallium is still not as widely used in manufacturing solar cells because of some issues. First is the fact
that it is a rare compound. Gallium is rarer than gold which makes it quite expensive. Another issue with this
compound is the possibility of arsenic positioning during the process of manufacturing solar cells.
Organometallics
This is another less common type of semiconductor that can be used in making solar panels. An example of a
compound like this is soluble platinum. This is a metal-conjugated polymer with constituents that have a bandgap of
1.4 to 3.0eV, which makes them quite efficient. They are also relatively cheap to produce and lightweight. Although
they are not very common yet, Organometallics could be the solar panel material of the future.
 Chapter 5

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.

What Are the Components of an Off-Grid Solar System?

An off-grid solar system is a lot more complex than regular solar installations connected to the grid. A functioning
off-grid PV system is much more than just solar panels. It has more components that you need to consider.
For a solar system that is completely off the grid, you will need equipment that not only generates electricity but
can also store and supply the solar power produced right there on site. As they are not connected to the grid, the
solar system must also be installed in a fully self-sustaining way. Unlike solar setups that are still tied to the grid,
off-grid systems must be designed to continuously provide power even when the sun is not available. This is why it
is commonly called a “standalone solar power system.”
To ensure a continuous supply of electricity this way, the solar panels need to be paired with batteries. This, along
with the capacity of the solar panels, will determine how well the solar system will be able to serve your needs. The
need for battery storage is one of the reasons why off-grid solar systems tend to be more expensive than
conventional grid-tied systems.
Some equipment you will need for a functioning and effective off-grid solar system include:
The Solar panels
A Solar charge controller
Solar inverter(s)
Solar battery
Mounting and racking system
Wiring
Junction boxes

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.

Sizing an Off-Grid Solar System

When you design an off-grid solar system, one of the most important steps is to ensure it fits your requirements ad
this must be done right at the start of your planning. The equipment you need is dependent on the size of the system
– the larger the system, the more equipment is needed, more time to install it, and more money.
The biggest factor in determining size is what you want to do with it. How much power do you want to generate?
There are two primary ways to work this out. The first is to look at how much electricity you currently use, and the
second is to use a method called “load evaluation.”
Method One – Your Current Usage
If your intention is to maintain the lifestyle you lead now on an off-grid system, this is the method you need to use.
It’s pretty easy to do – just look at your bills and see what your electricity usage is per month. You will see this on
your bill as kWh – kilowatt-hours.
Using this information, you should be able to draw up an estimate of what size off-grid system you need. However,
it is recommended that your system generate at least 10% more than you currently use. As solar power goes up and
down, it isn’t quite so efficient, and the extra will ensure you generate sufficient for your needs.
Method Two – Load Evaluation
The second method is load evaluation, and you will need to do this on your entire system to determine what you
need to generate. This way, you can ensure your electricity consumption is optimized and efficient. Here are the
steps you need to follow for a load evaluation:
Calculate your total usage requirements

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.

Energy Calculations for Off-Grid Solar Installations

Planning an off-grid solar installation would require you to do some calculations to determine how much power
your home will need. It’s like planning a trip. First, you have to figure out how far you are traveling to determine
how much fuel you need to buy in your vehicle. You can’t just get into your car and start a trip without estimating
how much gas you’ll need.
The same is true for solar installations. You simply can’t say I need two solar cells and any type of battery and hope
that will be just enough for your needs. Rather, you will have to estimate your energy consumption to design a
system that can serve that need. Again, energy calculations are particularly important for an off-grid system since
everything in your home will be powered by the system and not anything else.
The simple trick to determine energy consumption is to simply add up the wattage of all the appliances that the PV
system will power. An alternative is to make use of an automatic baseload calculator (these are readily available
online). These energy calculators will automatically add up the wattage of the appliances you add to the list.
Generally, every appliance has a fixed energy consumption rating typically printed on its nameplate. You will need
to retrieve the data for every device that the PV system will power. You will also need to consider other factors like
the number of each appliance and the number of hours these appliances will be used per day. These figures will be
used to determine the total watt-hours of energy consumed by the PV system.
Panel Sizing
Once you have determined the total load capacity of your home, you will need to calculate the size of solar panels
that you will need to generate that amount of power. Of course, factors like the internal loss of the panels must be
considered in determining the ideal size of solar panel that will deliver the power you need.
To determine the panel sizing, you need two other parameters that must have been earlier determined from your
analysis. These are the total watt-hours (or power consumption) and the peak sun hours. To determine the ideal
panel sizing, you will need to divide the total watt-hours by the peak sun hours.
Let’s assume you live in New Jersey with average peak sunlight hours per day of 4.1 hours, and this means you get
at least 123 hours of sunlight a month. (daily average multiplied by 30 days). The next step would be to divide your
monthly energy usage by your estimation of the monthly sun hours.
For instance, if the total energy consumption from your calculation is 1,000 kWh, then you need to divide 1,000
kWh by 123 hours. This will give you 8.13. What this means is that you need an 8.13kW(8130watts) system to
produce enough solar power to meet your average monthly energy consumption.
From this calculation, you can see that the higher the peak sun hours you get, the smaller the solar power capacity
that you’ll need. In essence, areas with less sunlight will require a larger solar panel system.
As you can work out, the higher the number of peak sun hours you get, the smaller your array needs to be. Areas
with less sunlight require larger systems. To determine the exact number of solar cells you will need, you have to
divide the power requirement of the entire system by the power rating of each solar cell.
Most solar cells have a power rating of 280 watts. Using the system above as an example, you have to divide 8130
by 280watts (wattage of each solar panel). From this calculation, if you design a system that will cover the total
electricity usage for a month, you will need a system with at least 29 solar panels.
In essence, the power capacity of each of the solar cells you choose will also influence the total number of panels.
Panels with a higher power rating will require fewer solar cells to produce enough electricity for your home.
Batteries
It is imperative for off-grid solar systems to be designed correctly and elaborately because they are not dependent
upon the grid system and must generate enough power throughout the year plus have enough battery capacity. Even
when weather changes do not permit sunlight, the off-grid system must still do its job to meet the home or the
community requirements.
Batteries are really costly, and so are off-grid inverters. This means that off-grid systems as a whole are one of the
most expensive solar energy systems, and they are mostly used in remote areas where electricity is a luxury or areas
far from the electricity grid. These days, the price of batteries has reduced significantly as the markets for off-grid
systems continue to expand.
In most off-grid systems, the battery/inverter charger system is both the heart and brain of the off-grid system. It has
to be able to fully supply the needs and requirements of all appliances under all kinds of weather conditions. This is
no small task. Additionally, inverter chargers should be able to regulate battery charging and have the ability to
monitor all the energy flowing from sources such as solar, wind, or backup generators. It also needs to be a
satisfactory size and constructed to power up appliances like air conditioners, water pumps, and fridges. Technically
these appliances require high peak power, so it isn't advisable to get cheap Inverters or batteries because they can
fail. If you have different appliances with different power levels operating all at once, then the inverter should be up
to the task of shouldering all.
Also, it should be strong enough to handle these responsibilities under all weather conditions and temperatures.
Battery Sizing
Now that you have determined how much power the system you want to build needs and the number of solar panels
that will be needed to build it, the next thing you need to find out is the number of batteries that will be needed to
store the power produced.
The battery is an important component of an off-grid solar system since you need to store power during times of the
day and seasons of the year when the sun is not producing optimally. The size of the battery to use depends on how
much power you intend to store. Do you need a system that will only store power for a day or two, or you want one
with enough batteries to last for up to 4 days? Even though you won’ be tied to a grid, do you intend to use other
power sources such as wind turbines and generators to supply supplementary power? These are factors that will
determine the size of the battery to use.
You also need to determine the voltage of your battery bank. This can be 48V, 24V, or 12V. Generally, for larger
systems, a higher battery voltage is often recommended. This is necessary to keep the number of batteries that will
be connected in parallel to a minimum and cut down the amount of current that will be passed between the batteries
and the inverter. If you are powering as many as 2000 watts in appliances at once, 48 and 12volts systems are more
recommended.
However, if all you are designing is a small system that can charge devices and power small appliances in your RV,
then a simple 12V battery bank would work just fine. The voltage of the system will also determine if you’d be
needing thicker or thinner copper cabling for your connections
Another factor that may influence battery sizing is the temperature of the room the batteries will be stored.
Generally, the ideal storage rating for batteries is about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Colder rooms will need a bigger
battery bank and vice versa.

The Lead Acid Battery

Before the exponential technological era emerged, lead-acid batteries were the most accessible and reliant kinds of
batteries available. It has been scientifically proven that lead-acid batteries have lasting powers of fifteen or more
years on the condition that they must not be held at high temperatures. (E.g., above forty degrees Celsius). They
must also not be regularly discharged too low. Simply put, lead-acid batteries require a lot of balance and precision.

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

Building & Installing

an Off-Grid Solar System

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

Building Your Solar Shed/Battery House

Setting up the solar utility room is the first step in installing your PV solar system. This is the room that will house
the batteries, the charge controller, inverter, and the battery management system (if any) for the off-grid solar
system. The battery house can be a repurposed closet in your home, a separate shed outside your cabin, or a
compartment built into your RV.
The ideal place to position the battery house is somewhere in between the location of your panels and the main
usage points of the electricity supply. Another factor that can influence the positioning of the battery house is the
type of controller you are using. For an MPPT charge controller that delivers a higher voltage, it is usually a good
idea to locate the battery house as close to your home as possible as this will save costs on extra copper wire.
Heating and Ventilation for Your Battery House
One of the common questions when designing the battery house is whether it needs to be heated or not. The answer
to this depends on the type of battery you are using. Lead-acid batteries typically do not require extra heating as
they can tolerate freezing temperatures really well. However, you should still bear in mind that allowing your
batteries to get too cold may affect their efficiency. Nickel iron batteries can also operate at low temperatures.
However, installing a heating system to keep the temperature in check won’t be a bad idea.
Lithium batteries should never be used under freezing conditions. If this is the type of battery you are going for, you
have to ensure that the battery shed is heated or fit the system with a charge controller capable of cutting off the
system when the temperature becomes too low. The cheapest way to heat the battery system is to build an insulated
box for the batteries. You can also install a heating pad with a thermostat that will automatically kick in when the
temperature falls too low. This will help keep the batteries at the desired temperature. This temperature control
system should have a low-voltage disconnect or be connected through the charge controller. This way, it will turn
off as well when the batteries run too low.
Deciding whether to vent or not to vent your battery compartment also depends on the type of battery involved.
Open batteries like nickel-iron batteries or flooded lead-acid batteries need to be vented. This is because they
produce hydrogen gas as they operate, and this can be dangerous. The gas produced by the open batteries is
potentially explosive when allowed to accumulate within a closed space. However, if you use a sealed lead battery
or lithium batteries, you don’t need to vent the shed since they do not produce gas.
You don’t need an elaborate venting system for your battery shed. It could be as simple as passing a pipe through
the high point of the battery room or from the battery box to the exterior. A small vent close to the door may also
aid airflow. The gas produced would rise naturally and disperse quickly as long as there is a channel to vent it this
way.

Installing the Solar Panels

Two important consideration in installing the solar panels is the direction of the panels and ensuring that it properly
supported. This will ensure that the system remains efficient and lasts for a long time. Being properly aligned in the
right direction will ensure optimum power output for your unit.
Therefore, the biggest question to answer when installing a solar panel is which direction is the most efficient to
have your panel facing. Generally, if you are anywhere in the northern hemisphere, the best direction to have your
panel facing is due south. Conversely, if you are in the southern hemisphere, you should have the panel aligned
north and titled to the proper angle based on the sun's direction.
As far as direction is concerned, you have two options for installing your solar panel. You can either have it
installed at a fixed angle or install the panel on a tracking unit that follows the sun's direction throughout the day.
For a fixed-angle solar panel system, the panel needs to be tilted to the same angle as your location's latitude. This
is the direction where you will get the maximum output. So theoretically, if you are on the equator, your solar panel
should be pointing straight up, and if you are somewhere far up, like in Seattle, the panel should be tilted down to
an angle of about 47 degrees.
However, this rule isn’t always black and white. The tilt angle can be adjusted based on the time of the year you
want maximal output. For instance, if you’d prefer to have more production in the winter, tilting the panel down by
15 degrees can increase output significantly. Conversely, if you want a higher electricity output in the summer, you
can tilt the panel up by up to 15 degrees.
Solar Panel Tracking
As earlier explained, your solar panel is most efficient when it is facing the sun directly all day long. However,
while this is possible, you’ll need a more sophisticated and typically more expensive installation for this to be
possible. There are full-tracking solar panel setups (also known as a 2-axis setup) that can follow the direction of
the sun for maximal output. However, the extra investment is really not worth the output compensation. Simply
adding a few extra panels to increase the output power is a much cheaper approach.
Another viable alternative is to build your own solar tracking rack. This type of panel rack would have a manual tilt
system which you can adjust by yourself four times a year (through the seasons). This setup is not only cheaper than
a motorized system but can also help to increase the productivity of the panel by as much as 40% and even out
production gaps during different seasons of the year.
A manual solar tracking rack typically comes with a simple frame designed with bolts as its hinges and several
mounting holes on the sides of the rack. The holes are designed in a way that changing the mounting hole would
increase or increase the tilt by 15 degrees each time. With this setup, you can adjust the tilt angle on your own
during the different seasons.
Ventilation and Cooling for Solar Panel Setup
Like your battery system, ventilation is a major consideration for your solar panel setup as well. While you need
the sunlight to hit your panel to produce electricity, abnormally high temperatures (up to 100 F) can lead to a
decrease in panel output. Constantly exposing the panel to high temperatures without ventilation may also decrease
the lifetime of the panel. However, you don’t really need a complex ventilation system for a basic solar panel
setup. A simple way to solve this problem is to allow space for ventilation at the back of the panel. This involves
allowing an unobstructed flow of air on the backside of the panel.
If you mount your solar panel on the roof of your home or cabin, it is recommended that you raise the panel by as
much as 6 to 8 inches above the roof shingles using the right hardware. Also, if you have not roofed your building
yet, consider using light-colored shingles. These are reflective and will help reduce the temperature around the solar
panel.

Wiring Your Off-Grid PV Solar System

With your battery bank installed and the solar panels fully set up, the next step would be to wire up the solar
system, so everything comes together. Again, basic knowledge of electrical wiring may be necessary for this stage
of your project to ensure that the job is properly done and for safety.
A PV solar system is a low-voltage system. While this means they are relatively safe, you must still take proper care
and follow common sense procedures since all electricity can be potentially hazardous, much less a 120 V AC
system after the inverter has been installed.
In fact, a grid-connected PV should only be handled by a professional. You will need the services of an electrician
and the consent of your utility company for such a connection. However, for an off-grid system where there is no
need to connect to existing utilities, you may be able to handle it on your own with some basic knowledge of wiring
and necessary safety precautions.
Wiring the Solar Panels
Solar panels can either be wired in series or parallel. This is one of the first things to do in wiring your solar panel.
Series wiring means the positive battery terminals will be connected to the negative terminals. For the parallel
arrangement, the positive terminals are connected to the negative terminals. It is also possible to connect the wiring
with a combination of both series or parallel wiring.
At this point, you should at least have an idea of the desired voltage for your solar array as well as the maximum
voltage that your charge controller will support. The rated voltage of the panels should also be known. This is the
open-circuit voltage of each of your panels.
Wiring Solar Panels in Series
Generally, many installers prefer a series of wiring for their solar panels mainly because it helps to save cost on
writing. In this case, each of the panels you add to the array adds its own voltage to the arrangement. Consequently,
if there are three 18 volts’ panels connected in series, the total voltage for the array will be 54 volts.
Note that this total voltage must be less than the maximum input voltage for your charge controller to avoid the risk
of a blow-out. You should also remember that the total voltage of the solar array should not exceed the voltage of
the solar bank unless you are using an MPPT charge controller. Let’s say you are going for a less expensive model
of charge controller. In that case, it is often a good idea to leave about 10 volts of headroom between the voltage of
your array and that of the charge controller since these cheap controllers tend to burn out easily. Higher-end
controllers are already designed with a bit of headroom over the quoted rating, so this isn’t necessary for them. But
you may still opt to leave a bit of extra margin if you want, just to be sure.
Wiring Solar Panels in Parallel
For smaller array systems, or if you are using a PWM solar array, then it is recommended that you use to wire the
system in parallel (positive terminals to negative terminals). A parallel arrangement is also recommended when you
have a case of partial shading of your array, as this would minimize the effect of the shaded solar cell on the rest of
the system.
While the series wiring tends to increase the total voltage of the array, parallel wiring increases the total current. A
single 18 volt, 100 watts solar panel would give you a maximum current of 5.5 Amps, but connecting two panels of
this specification together in parallel will give you a total current of 11 amps.
Wiring Solar Panels in Series and Parallel
Another alternative is to use a combination of series and parallel wiring for your solar system. This is usually the
approach to use when writing larger systems like an off-grid cabin or a full house solar system. In such cases, there
are simply too many solar panels for you to go for a series connection without exceeding the input voltage of the
charge controller. Yet, fully parallel wiring will be more expensive. In such a case, using a combination of these
two wiring systems will be more recommended.

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

Operation and Maintenance

of Off-Grid PV Systems

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.

Maintenance of Different PV Components

Maintenance of PV Wires
The wire and cabling component of your PV system is one of the components that are susceptible to damage.
However, the probability of damage and the associated cost of maintenance depends on the type of wire
management system you had in place during the installation stage. From the onset, it is recommended that you use
the appropriate grade and quality of wires. This will reduce the risk of damage due to electrical load when the
system is connected. Properly documenting the wiring system is also necessary to make planned maintenance and
repairs easier.
Preventive maintenance of the wring system entails an effort to ensure that the wires are securely installed and
properly protected. Exposed wires are at a higher risk of damage due to exposure to weather elements or
disturbance by human and animal activities. With use, corrective maintenance may also be necessary to find and
repair faults in the wiring system like wires scraping against the module frame, problems relating to loose or broken
wire connection.
Generally, wire management for off-grid solar installations can be either open air, direct bury, or cable tray/conduit
system. Each of these systems has its unique peculiarities as far as maintenance is concerned.
Open-air systems are often preferred by those looking to lower the cost of installation. However, this may be at the
expense of high maintenance costs since open-air installations are the most susceptible to damage. At the same
time, locating faults and fixing them is easier in open-air systems, which is another reason why they may be
preferred.
The direct bury system is more expensive than open-air but cheaper than the conduit method. They come with the
advantage of being less susceptible to failure. The major type of failure buries that wires are likely to suffer is being
chewed on by rodents. However, this can be easily prevented by properly compacting the soil around the wires after
installation. This will reduce the risk of damage.
However, wiring installed through direct bury can be a nightmare to manage. If the cabling fails, locating the fault
is not as easy as that of the open-air system. The wiring will have to be dug up to find issues and fix them. Not only
is this expensive, but it also has to be done slowly and carefully, making the process quite painstakingly. There is a
risk of damaging the cabling while digging as well as the possibility of disturbing other buried infrastructure in that
vicinity.
The maintenance requirement for wires laid in trays or conduits will be minimal. Although this is more expensive
than the other wiring management systems, it is more convenient to manage in the long run. The conduit does a
good job of protecting the cables from physical damage. However, if faults were to occur, the conduit can be easily
exhumed, or the damaged cables can be pulled out and fixed without disturbing the entire system.

Important Considerations for PV System Wiring Maintenance

As earlier explained, the best way to minimize the need for maintenance of PV systems is by ensuring proper
installation in the first place. A number of factors exacerbate the risk of damage to PV wiring and increase
maintenance problems. These include:
Exposure of wires, plastic wire ties, and bushings to sunlight: exposing wiring fixtures to sunlight can reduce
their lifespan. The best mitigation against this is to use products rated for UV exposure. However, even these will
begin to show signs of degradation over time and eventually need to be replaced.
Movement or rubbing of wires against modules and other system components: wires should be secured to
minimize how much they move or rub against the other components of the system. Thermal expansion can also
cause movement. Frequent inspection is also necessary to find wires that have been damaged and replace them.
However, the best approach is to ensure that the design accommodates such movement and possible thermal
expansion/contraction of the system. This will reduce the need for corrective maintenance.
Excessively tight wire ties: the wire ties should not pinch the wires too tightly. This will deform the insulation and
can lead to damage. There is a high chance of faults occurring in places where the wires are pinched too tightly.
When wires are pulled too tightly: your wires should not be pulled too tightly during installation. Using wires of
the right length is recommended as this would leave enough room for strain relief. When this is not done, the
system will require too frequent maintenance.
Exposure to animal activities: this is particularly important for buried wires. Animals like squirrels can burrow
into the soil and chew on wires. Measures should be taken to make it difficult for animals to get to the wiring, and
sections with chewed insulations should be fixed as soon as they’re discovered.
Cooling: To prevent degradation of the wire insulation, proper cooling is required. Sometimes, large bundles of
wires will make it difficult for wires in the middle to cool efficiently. There should be room for this, especially
when the wiring installation is not open air.

Off-Grid Solar Power Battery Maintenance

One of the major components of your off-grid solar power system that needs to be maintained frequently and kept
in perfect conditions at all times is the battery system. This is one area that makes off-grid solar energy systems
more care-intensive than grid-tied solar power systems. The batteries are a sort of backup for systems connected to
the grid and may not be a major part of the system. But for an off-grid system, the battery is pivotal to the operation
of the system and will require regular maintenance.
Taking care of your batteries is important to prolong their life. If the batteries are not properly taken care of, they
can go bad in just a matter of a week and become completely damaged. This can leave you in the dark with no
backup to fall back to. Battery care is also a vital safety consideration. While in operation, batteries give off
potentially hazardous gas, and there is a risk of explosion if treated poorly.
Fortunately, maintaining your battery system is not all that difficult. In fact, with some basic knowledge of how
batteries work and simple maintenance tips, an average homeowner should be able to carry out basic maintenance
for their battery system. Of course, the specific battery care techniques may depend on the type of battery. The
maintenance requirement for flooded batteries, for instance, will be different from that of valve-regulated batteries
like AGM or gel batteries.
The idea behind maintaining your batteries regularly is to ensure they provide the most efficient performance and
lifecycle. Battery life is variable and depends on storage temperatures and discharge depth, among other things.
Most of the failures in batteries used in PV systems are due to sulfation. This refers to the formation of crystals of
sulfur on the lead plates of the battery, which prevents chemical reactions in the battery from progressing as they
should. Sulfation occurs mainly due to low electrolyte levels (or low charge). Thus, you must monitor the voltage
and specific gravity of your battery to determine the charge level. However, it is important to note that this is only
necessary for flooded batteries. There is no need to check the fluid level of AGM and gel batteries.
Checking the Charge Level of Your Battery
This is one of the most important maintenance practices for flooded battery units in solar energy systems.
Determining the discharge depth or state of charge requires the voltage and specific gravity of the battery are
measured. You can then use this to work out the discharge depth in percentage. If these factors are not monitored
regularly, your battery may undergo sulfation, leading to overcharge and consequent damage.
To measure the specific gravity of the electrolyte in your battery, you will need a hydrometer. While there are
different types, the most recommended type is a glass hydrometer which typically has a rubber head to draw the
electrolyte fluid. You may also use digital hydrometers, but they are more expensive and will need to be calibrated
for accuracy.
How to Use a Hydrometer
The specific gravity of your battery electrolyte should be checked at least twice a year. However, you can also
check every three months for the best results. Follow this procedure to check SG using a glass hydrometer:

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.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips for Solar Panels

Your PV solar panels don’t need as much maintenance as the rest of the system to function properly. The major
type of care they need is periodic cleaning to ensure that the surface of the panel is not covered with dirt, leaves,
and debris that obstruct solar rays. Solar panels may also need extensive maintenance during winter in areas that
experience heavy snowfall. They also need to be checked for damages and monitored to ensure continuous output.
If your solar panels are installed in a tilted position, you are in luck because most debris and dirt will be washed
away by rainfall. In such cases, the only time they may require regular cleaning is during the dry seasons when
there are extended periods with no rain. If this is the case, if the panel is not tilted, then you need to clean the
surface manually.
Generally, you should clean the surface of your solar panel at least 2 to 4 times a year. Fortunately, cleaning solar
panels isn’t rigorous work, and you don’t need to hire someone to do it for you if you are handy, and your solar
panel is easily accessible. You also don’t need sophisticated equipment for the job. A leaf blower or garden hose
will get the job done as far as cleaning your solar panel and keeping its good condition is concerned.
During winter, the panels need to be cleaned immediately after a heavy snowfall. This snow will obstruct already
limited sunlight, and the weight may also damage the panel. You can use water to wash the snow away. However,
only regular or lukewarm water should be used. Avoid using extremely hot water on the panels. They are made of
tempered glass, and the extreme temperature difference between the cold snow and hot water will crack the panels.
You may also use a squeegee that has a long handle to push off the snow gently.
Tips for Cleaning Solar Panels
Do not use regular soap or an abrasive sponge (or brush) to clean solar panels. This will scratch the glass and
damage the panel. Biodegradable soap and a soft rag or sponge are more recommended for this chore.
You may also buy a specialized solar panel cleaning kit. This usually contains a biodegradable soap, special wipe,
and brush designed specifically for cleaning solar panels. The soap should be mixed with water in a bucket and used
to clean the panel based on the manufacturer’s instructions. You can also use ordinary water to wash off dirt and
grime buildup on the surface of the panel. Solar panels are generally easier to clean when they are wet or moist.
This way, any dirt or residue stuck on the surface of the panel can be easily wiped off.
If you clean your panels regularly this way, you should be able to remove loose dirt easily by simply running water
from a hose over the panel. Regular cleaning will reduce the need for solar panel repairs and maintenance.
Solar panel cleaning can get a bit more complicated if the panel is roof-mounted. In this case, you can use a wiper
with a very long handle if you do not want to get on the roof. However, if you decide to get up there for proper
cleaning, you need to be very careful, especially if you are using water. The roof can get very slippery when water
is poured on it. You may also use a safety harness or ropes for extra support to avoid injury.
How Often Should Solar Panels Be Cleaned?
The answer to this question depends mainly on the type of solar panels you use and how much dirt gets on top of it.
The cleaning schedule can be weekly or monthly, depending on the specific situation. You may ask the
manufacturer for information about how often the panel should be cleaned. Generally, you should regularly inspect
the panel's surface to ensure that there is no buildup of dirt on it. The panels will absorb sunlight a lot better when
the surface is dirt-free. If you do not have enough free time on your hand to clean the panels, you can install
automated cleaners. These work like sprinkler systems for lawns and release water that clean the surface of the
panel on a schedule. You can also book an appointment with a solar panel cleaning company around you.
General Solar Panel Maintenance Tips
Since solar panels have no moving mechanical parts, they are hardly ever affected by rust, neither do they break
down easily. Thus, they don’t need any complex power maintenance. However, in addition to regular cleaning,
solar panels need additional maintenance to properly function. The following are some additional maintenance tips
for your solar panel array:
Shading: solar panels should have unobstructed exposure to the sunlight. Shading can obstruct
energy production and make the panel inefficient. As explained earlier in this book, shading should
be a major consideration while planning the panel installation. However, a tree can grow where
they didn’t exist before or for new structures to be built that may obstruct sunlight. You should
always pay attention to this and avoid them as much as possible.
Document performance: the only way to tell if your panels are performing optimally is to monitor
production. This means you need to document how much energy the unit produces daily and
possibly monitor weather conditions as well. This way, you will be able to tell when production is
inconsistent, and the cause is not due to weather conditions.
You may also install an automated monitoring system for the panels. You can ask the manufacturer
for a monitoring system that will be most compatible. This will make it easier to track how much
energy the unit produces per day and how this is affected by different external factors. Some
monitoring systems may also alert you when the panel is malfunctioning so it can be repaired or
replaced immediately.
Visual inspection: you should keep an eye on your solar panels and inspect it physically once in a
while. This will help you pick up any physical damage or issues with the panels and fix them if
possible. You should also check to ensure the inverters are flashing green light. If this is not the
case, then the panel may not be functioning as it should.

Impact of Extreme Weather on Solar Panels

Solar panels may look like they aren’t very strong. But they are actually built to be durable. A quality solar
installation should be able to withstand all types of weather conditions, including wind, snow, and rain. Solar panels
also hold up very well against hail and may also be strong enough to withstand hurricanes. However, how well they
can stand up to harsh weather conditions depends on the quality of installation in the first place.
Even the strongest solar panel installation is not 100% invincible. Extreme weather events may still damage them.
This is why getting a good warranty on your installation is great. This way, you can easily get damaged units
repaired or replaced completely. A weather element that should really get you concerned is heat conditions. This is
ironic since solar panels actually depend on sunlight. When temperatures rise to over 90 degrees, the panel will lose
a lot of its efficiency. This is why cooling should be factored into the design. This includes allowing enough room
for air circulation by installing the panel a few inches above your roof or ground. This will help keep energy
production up by keeping the unit cool at all times.
Repairing and Replacing Solar Panels
Sometimes solar panels get damaged, and they need to be repaired or even replaced completely. When this is the
case, it is recommended that you hire a professional for the job. You might get in touch with your solar company
for help if it was installed by a professional in the first place. They will send in someone to check out the unit and
possibly fix or replace the damaged panels.
A separate equipment warranty usually covers physically damaged panels. You may also be able to finance a repair
with your homeowner’s insurance. You can get in touch with your insurance company to find out if your plan
covers the panel and how to file a claim. Your warranty may not cover DIY installation, however, so check before
you file a claim. If your warranty doesn’t cover DIY installation, you may wish to consider hiring a professional
company to do the installation for you.
In summary, maintaining your solar panels and the other parts of your solar installation is quite easy. The starting
point to easy maintenance is proper design and installation in the first place. While planning your off-grid solar
installation, you should consider the likely need for maintenance at some point in the future. With proper care and
maintenance, your panel should continue to operate at optimum efficiency and deliver clean, renewable solar energy
for your home, cabin, or RV for many years to come.
 Chapter 9

Economics of Off-Grid PV Solar Power

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.

Cost of Solar Power for Homes

While a lot has been said about the benefit of solar installation, when it comes to cost, one clear point is that solar
power can be quite capital intensive. The main cost of installing a solar-powered system usually comes from the
upfront cost of equipment. Buying the solar module components will take up a large chunk of your overall budget
for a project.
In addition to the solar panels, other equipment that will be necessary include inverters to convert the DC from the
panel to usable AC for household appliances, a battery bank for storing energy, housing components for your
battery bank, as well as gear for wiring and cabling.
The cost of batteries significantly increases the equipment costs for off-grid systems because storage is more vital
here than grid-tied systems. Installation and labor costs may be a factor too. Homeowners who are handy with tools
and have a good knowledge of electrical systems may install their own off-grid PV system, thereby cutting costs
significantly.
In addition to all these installation costs, the cost of continuous operation and maintenance of the solar array needs
to be considered too. Panels need to be cleaned regularly, while inverters and batteries have to be kept in top shape
as well. Some components may also need to be replaced after some years of use.
For homeowners seriously considering a solar installation, they may be able to offset some part of the installation
by taking advantage of available government incentives. For instance, there is a tax credit of up to 30% on system
costs for solar installation. However, finding these subsidies may be a bit challenging since they change often and
vary from one state to the other. You can check with your local utility company to find out if there is an offer of
financial incentive for solar installations. This may include a tax credit or an offer to sell excess power to the grid
under a net metering program.

Benefits of Solar Power for Homes

The installation cost notwithstanding, the most significant financial benefit of installing an off-grid PV solar system
is that you longer need to worry about paying energy bills. However, how much of this benefit you get to enjoy is
largely dependent on how much solar energy can be produced in your area, given the available conditions in
comparison to how much utility companies normally charge for electricity.
The first and most important consideration for a solar project is the solar irradiation levels in your geographical
location. Generally, when it comes to solar installations, proximity to the equator is always an advantage. However,
other factors may come to play as well. Fortunately, there are available energy maps produced by agencies like the
National Renewable Energy Laboratory that show the solar irradiation for different locations in the US. Maps and
data like this are available in other countries, too, and are produced by environmental agencies or renewable energy
companies. Figures like this will be quite instrumental in determining the cost viability of solar installation in your
area.
Other localized factors are just as important such as the orientation of your home, roof type presence of objects, and
structures like trees and other buildings that may obstruct sunlight, among other factors. In cases where roof
installation is not possible or would not be maximizing available sunlight, external supports may be mounted to
install the panels away from the home. Of course, this will also amount to additional cost since extra cabling and
hardware will be needed.
Another important factor has to do with the comparison of solar production and normal utility cost. This is
particularly important for areas where utility companies charge different costs depending on the time of the day.
Typically, the maximum production period of solar installations is during the afternoon. Production may also vary
by season, with higher production in summer, which is sort of a good thing since electricity demand is usually
higher around this time because homes usually rely on air conditioner units more.
Consequently, if your utility company uses a pricing system that charges different rates based on peak usage during
a specific time of the day or season of the air to mirror the cost of production, then the solar installation would make
even more sense. Let’s say you typically pay a flat rate for electricity regardless of time or consumption. In that
case, variations in usage have no effect on the consideration of the viability of your solar project. In such cases,
installing a PV system only offsets the normal price of utility and does not take into account the expensive cost of
electricity during peak periods.
If your utility company charges one rate for the daytime and a lower one at night, or charges more during summer, a
PV solar system will be quite beneficial since the solar power system will be offsetting the cost during periods
where electricity is most costly.
Another benefit to consider is the potential effects of installing an off-grid solar energy system on the value of your
home. Generally, it is safe to assume that installing solar panels would potentially increase the value of your home,
cabin, RV, or boat. There is an undeniable financial benefit of paying less or nothing for electricity which can
increase the appeal of the property. Also, because there is an ever-growing trend toward green living, there is a
growing demand in the market for homes with sustainable systems to reduce their carbon footprint. Anyone buying
a home with a pre-installed solar array does not need to bother about the planning, design, and installation cost of
adding a solar module later.

Calculating the Cost of Solar Power

Weighing these costs and benefits, it is theoretically possible to evaluate the real cost of installing an off-grid solar
energy system. This can be done using what is known as the discounted cash flow technique. In this case, the
outflow at the onset of your project would include factors like the installation cost (after deducting subsidies), while
the inflow would be in the cost of electricity that the installation would offset.
Instead of using the discounted cash flow method, an alternative method that may be used to evaluate the cost of
electricity is using the Levelized cost of electricity compared to the cost charged by your local utility company. To
calculate the LCOE for your household solar array, you can use the formula below:
LCOE = Net Present Value (NPV) of the Lifetime Cost of Ownership ($) / Lifetime Energy Output (kWh)
With proper maintenance, the useful life of a Photovoltaic solar module can be as much as 24 to 40 years. The
lifetime cost of ownership in the equation above includes the cost of ownership and estimated cost of continuous
maintenance over the cost of usage of this unit.
The LCOE derived is given in ($/kWh), which you can compare to the cost of electricity from your utility company
for the same period.
To summarize, determining whether you want to install a PV solar system or not based on the economic viability
may seem like a daunting task. However, it is important to bear in mind that a PV system is almost always a long-
term investment. It may not yield results right away, but it does pay off in the long run from a financial perspective.
These long-term benefits of installing solar power are part of what contributes to its appeal. So even if solar power
is found to be marginally more expensive today from your calculations, you may still consider installing it because
of the potential fluctuation in energy cost in the nearest future. Some homeowners may also choose to look beyond
the personal financial motivation that going green offers and simply do so because it is beneficial for the
environment.
 Chapter 10

Possible Issues, Challenges, and Peculiarities of Off-Grid Solar Systems

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.

Common Design Issues With Off-Grid Solar Systems

As you have probably noticed from previous chapters of this book, off-grid solar energy systems have no universal
specification to follow. They must be designed based on the energy demand of the user if they must keep up with
daily use. This must be a top consideration in selecting the various component of the system such as solar inverter,
batteries, charge controllers, switch, and even electrical components in the home or cabin you want to install the
unit.
In planning and designing the PV system, you need to carry out proper preliminary work. This begins with
understanding your load type and overall power requirement. You also have to evaluate the climatic condition of
the site where the installation project will be carried out. Only after this compilation has been duly carried out can
you proceed with designing your system to specification. All of these have been fully covered in previous chapters.
However, some additional important consideration in planning and executing the installation project are highlighted
below:
Ensure that the voltage of the battery and that of the other components match
An electronic switch usually directly connects the battery storage system and PWM charge controller without
inductance equipment in the middle. The consequence of this is that your component voltage must be 1.2 to 2.0
times the battery voltage. For example, if your battery is 24V, the input voltage should be a maximum of 30 to 50V.
MPPT controllers usually have an inductor circuit in addition to the switch. For these, the input voltage must be 1.2
to 3.5 times the voltage of the battery – if your battery is 24V, the input voltage should be 30 to 90V.
You should ensure that the output power of the solar energy system matches that of the controller
For instance, if you have a 48V, 30A charge controller. The output power, which is typically a product of these two
parameters, should be 1440VA. Thus, the output of the component should be maintained at around 1500W.
Therefore, when selecting your charge controller, you should confirm the battery voltage and divide the output
power by it. This will give you an idea of the current of the charge controller that should be used for the system.
You can use multiple inverters
If one inverter's power will not be sufficient for the unit, it is possible to combine inverters in parallel. In this case,
the PV system output will be connected to the load, and the voltage, current, and amplitude of the inverter output
will be different.

Troubleshooting Common Issues With Off-Grid PV Solar Energy Systems

In this session, I have compiled a few issues that you may encounter during the installation or operation of your off-
grid solar unit. This is not an exhaustive list of technical issues that you may have to deal with. However, if you
encounter any of these issues, you’ll know what to do.
Inverter LCD Not Displaying
The inverter LCD is powered directly by the battery, so if there is no indicator displayed, it is likely that there is no
current input from the battery. This could be due to any of the following reasons:
 1. Low battery voltage: batteries are usually delivered from the factory with a full charge. That said,
batteries that haven’t been used for some time will begin self-discharging slowly. A similar
situation is when the battery series connection cable is not properly connected to the input. The
battery will not be charged, and the voltage supply is not enough to power the inverter.

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.

Battery Not Charging

The batteries are charged by power from the PV module through the controller. It could also pass through the mains
supply first, then through the charge controller. There are a number of possible reasons why the battery may not be
charging. This may include:
1. Issues with the PV component: this may be due to low PV component voltage, insufficient sunlight,
or a problem with the wiring from the PV component to the battery. You should check and test the
DC switch, terminal, PV component, and cable connector to see if everything is properly connected
and they work.
2. Bad wiring in the battery circuit: check the battery circuit to ensure it has been wired properly.
3. Fully charged battery: when the battery is fully charged, it can no longer be recharged. The problem
could be an input overcurrent or input overvoltage. Usually, the charging current of a battery unit
should be between 0.1C to 0.2C with a maximum value of 0.3C. For a lead-acid battery of 12V,
200A, the charging current should between 20 to 40A and should not exceed 60A. You must ensure
that power supplied from the PV component matches that of the charge controller.

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.

Peculiarities of Off-Grid Solar Energy Systems

There are far more grey areas with going completely off-grid compared to simply installing a grid-tied solar power
system to complement your energy usage. In addition to the technical considerations, there are additional factors to
consider before going ahead with an off-grid solar installation.
Going Off-Grid Makes Financial Sense (on the Long Run)
Although there has been a steady reduction in the overall cost of solar panels, inverters, and battery systems that
make up an off-grid solar installation, the upfront cost is still not exactly cheap. In fact, most users will find the
initial cost of installing a fully off-grid system intimidating. This cost also doesn’t pay off instantly. You will not be
required to pay your utility company once you are off-grid, but it will take years for the accumulated cost saving to
offset the initial cost of installation. However, in most cases, it eventually does, and installing an off-grid system
(assuming all the other preliminary factors you were meant to consider checks out) is a financially sound decision.
On average, you may be able to save as much as $20,000 over a period of 20 years in most locations.
Generally, you should be able to recoup your initial investment in the upfront cost of the solar panel itself within
five years of installation. The batteries for storing the solar energy take a longer time to recoup their cost (as much
as ten years), but they eventually do.
Going Completely Off-Grid May Be Illegal In Some Locations
In most locations, installing solar panels to generate electricity so supplement grid supply is allowed. However, in
some countries, it is illegal to unplug your home from the grid completely. Usually, such restrictions apply more to
urban or metropolitan areas and less to rural areas.
Technically, no state in the US completely outlaws living off-grid. In many cases, you are allowed to carry out
simple off-grid living activities and generate your energy. However, in many places, the infrastructural aspects of
completely disconnecting from the conventional utility are highly regulated.
The laws governing off-grid living typically vary from one state to the other and may even be different from your
specific county or municipality. In most places, it is legal to install solar panels. In other places, you will need a
special permit to do so. But not every US state permits residents to disconnect entirely from the power grid. Some
states allow this but still require homeowners to pay a fixed fee to the utility company monthly.
In Nevada, for instance, you have to remain connected to the grid and pay a small connection fee even if you are not
using the service. In some cases, the state may not prohibit disconnection from the grid, but your insurance
company may mandate such a connection in order to keep your cover. Thus, before you commence planning your
off-grid installation, be sure to check out the legal nuances pertaining to your specific location. Speak to your utility
company of a renowned solar installation company in the area for information. In some cases, like a remote cabin in
the woods or a mobile home, going off-grid is an obvious choice, and there is hardly a restriction to such.
Real Estate Implications
Taking your home completely off-grid may also have some implications should you need to put your home up for
sale or rent. An off-grid home will most likely have a mixed appeal on the market. On the one hand, prospective
buyers that are eco-conscious will most likely find the idea of a home with a limited carbon footprint quite
appealing. Of course, this would mean an increased value, especially if the number of people interested in off-grid
living around you is high. However, living in such homes comes with some major energy sacrifices that many
conventional home buyers may not be super thrilled about. You need to weigh this on both sides before committing
to a project.
Addressing System Issues Will Be Slightly Challenging
One of the implications of going completely off-grid is that you will be fully responsible for repairing and
maintaining your power system, unlike before when everything depended on your utility company. The consolation,
however, is that solar panels don’t need a lot of maintenance. Cleaning the panels occasionally and checking the
battery and inverter a few times a year should be enough to keep the system running.
But where things might get quite challenging is where there is a major problem with the system. In case of major
damage or fault in your electrical system, you may have to get specialized help which can be quite costly. And this
might also mean you will be left in the dark until the issue is fixed.
Off-Grid Solar Energy Requires Some Major Lifestyle Changes
Ask anyone who has a fully off-grid system, and they will tell you that going off-grid means they’ll have to make
some major lifestyle changes and sacrifices. In the real sense, going off-grid is a lifestyle rather than just a decision.
For those who live in areas where accessing the grid is difficult or impossible, the choice of off-grid solar is a no-
brainer. The alternative in such places is heavy, noisy, and potentially costly generators.
An off-grid system is also an easy choice for those who are used to living a minimalistic lifestyle or environment
enthusiasts committed to maintaining a low carbon footprint. Such people have a sustainability mindset already, and
making the lifestyle changes required to adopt off-grid living may not be too difficult for them.
But if you are a typical homeowner in a city or town where regular unlimited grid power is your thing, off-grid solar
power would not work for you. Going completely off-grid may also not be recommended for those looking for a
way to save cost on utility power right away. Thus, if instant financial saving is your reason for considering solar
power, then a grid-tied system will be a better choice for you. They are cheaper than solar, and you won’t have to
reduce your electricity consumption significantly since you are still connected to the grid for supplementary power
when you need it.
The high cost of an off-grid system means homeowners on a budget are better off installing a relatively smaller
system. This will consequently require a major lifestyle. Living off-grid requires you to rethink your energy usage
and make some major changes.
The amount of power available daily may also be further limited by weather conditions and seasons of the year. On
a cloudy day, for instance, you may have less than 50% of the power output you typically get. Running out of
power in your battery storage can also leave you in an unpalatable situation since it means you have to wait for the
sun to come out again or rely on backup generators in the meantime
The constraint of having limited access to power will affect different aspects of your life. This may include
economizing water since you can’t pump as frequently, using Air conditioning only when it is absolutely necessary,
and doing away with major power guzzling appliances that were not included in your original design.

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

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Karami Lakeh, H. (2021, June). Photovoltaic (PV) Energy: What it is & how it works | GreenMatch. Retrieved from
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Kunz, N. (2014). Solar Panel Installation and Maintenance | GreenMatch. Retrieved from Greenmatch.co.uk
website: https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2014/09/solar-panel-installation-and-maintenance
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 Off Grid
Solar Power
Tips and Tricks to Efficiently Plan, Build and Install Off-Grid Solar
Power Systems Indoors and Outdoors to Achieve Home Energy
Independence

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 101

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.

Where Can Solar Energy Be Used?

Solar energy is most commonly harnessed through larger solar panels containing semiconductor materials. Whether
they are placed in open fields or on top of buildings, these panels are designed to capture sunlight on larger surfaces
and to harness enough energy to power entire homes or businesses. As the sunlight hits the cells of the
semiconductor, it rearranges its electron configuration, which creates space for the electrons to flow through the
panel, generating energy. Smaller panels - like those designed for charging our smaller devices - work on a similar
principle. Of course, the sun’s energy can be collected on a much larger scale as well through solar power plants.
These work on the same principle as nuclear or coal plants but use renewable energy sources like water and the sun
instead of the traditional ones.
Essentially, the power of the sun can be used two different ways - through passive thermal energy and light-
generating electricity. Within these two options, there are countless other methods to explore:
Solar Photovoltaic Technology: Directly converts the sunlight into electricity and was developed
on satellites that harnessed solar power in space. Nowadays, it’s used in smaller gadgets like
watches and calculators. It’s also a budget-friendly electricity supply to properties.
Portable Solar Cells: Solar chargers work on a similar principle as the previous method, except
they can both charge a device directly or store the electricity for later use.
Passive Solar Technology: These panels convert the sun’s light into thermal energy and cause air
movement for ventilating purposes. This allows these systems to be used not only for indoor
heating but cooling as well, without the help of any other devices or energy.
Solar Water Heating: These systems harness the thermal energy of the sun, and this is used to
power water heaters in homes and businesses. They keep the water warm inside a boiler or circulate
it through a system via an electric pump, which can also be integrated into the solar-powered
network.
Solar Lighting: Sun-powered lights are a very inexpensive solution for both public and private
properties. They usually possess a panel and a small battery in which they store the accumulated
power during the day. Most of them also have automatic sensors to switch from collecting to
distributing energy as the night falls.
Solar Process Heat: Larger residential and industrial buildings can benefit from solar-powered
space heating, cooling, and water heating systems. These collect and actively redistribute the sun’s
thermal energy for the appropriate purposes.
Concentrated Solar Power: Instead of using fossil fuels, many power plants have started using
solar energy as a heat source in their linear concentrator, tower, or engine-driven systems. They boil
water, and the steam spins large turbines, which in turn drive a generator to generate electricity.
Solar Transportation: Unfortunately, fully solar-powered vehicles are still not available for
mainstream use. Still, many public transportation networks use the sun’s energy to provide for at
least a part of their energy needs.
 Solar Water Heater

Solar Power Benefits

Reliable Technology
Photovoltaic cells have been around since the beginning of the 19th century. Around this time, scientists discovered
that when sunlight hits certain surfaces, an electric current is generated. Later on, with the mass production of
rubber and plastic in the 1950s, different silicone cells were used to harness sunlight and convert it into electricity.
With even further technological developments, the use of silicon cells has been perfected, and people around the
world are beginning to rely on them. Nowadays, this technology has been improved to the point of producing
reliable and durable systems that can provide nations with more clean solar energy than ever.

Everyone Can Take Advantage of It

Solar power doesn’t benefit only the owners of the systems that generate it. If produced in excess, solar power can
be put into a traditional utility grid. Apart from providing a sustainable energy supply, this method reduces the
burden on the whole grid. As a result of this respite, more people are provided with higher quality utilities at all
hours of the day. Using the revenue the surplus generates, the overall infrastructure of the grid can be improved,
resulting in further advantages for the masses. Plus, the owners are often compensated for their contribution to this
via metering or other means of measurement. An example of this is a billing strategy that allows users to pay for
their nightly use of power with the surplus electricity they generate during the day.

It Works in Different Climates

While solar panels need sunlight to function appropriately, they work in many different climates, even colder ones.
Not only that, but they also don’t need the weather to be constantly sunny either. In fact, the excessive heat from a
glaring sun can damage solar panels and reduce their lifespan. This means that they actually work more efficiently
in colder temperatures. And even though more hours of direct sunlight will convert into more electricity, many
modern panels are efficient enough to generate energy even in cloudy weather. The system works anywhere in
daylight conditions - as long as the number of panels used is proportional to the exposure needed to cover the power
requirements of a property.

Solar Power is More Affordable Long Term

Although a good quality solar power system is still considered a significant investment, the prices of these
configurations have dropped in the past couple of years. To encourage people to switch from non-renewable energy
sources to greener ones, this trend is about to increase even more. The goal is to make solar power and similar
sustainable energy sources more affordable than traditional ones. This will ultimately benefit everyone in more
ways than one. Owners are encouraged to compare the prices of maintaining a solar power system against their
monthly utility bills, which clearly shows the advantages of the former option. Even with a larger investment to
equip the whole property with solar panels and inverters, the upfront expenses can be returned within a year. This is
not to mention all the monetary incentives like tax reductions, financing, and leasing easements that many countries
and states offer to owners considering going solar. These options are available for a growing number of property
owners, from private homes to industrial buildings and even schools.

Increased Property Values

When considering switching to solar energy, many people don’t want to waste time and energy installing the panels
and the grid on their current properties. Instead, they are willing to spend more to purchase a property that already
has all these elements installed. Consequently, the addition of photovoltaic silicon panels to a roof significantly
increases the value of the property.

Modern Panels Have Very Long Lifespans

Today’s photovoltaic cells are much more durable than the initial versions were. They also have a protective layer
added to them, making them waterproof and resistant to harsh weather conditions, including hail. The components
that conduct the power are equipped with surge protection and are safe to use, making the overall system a
worthwhile investment with benefits for multiple generations to enjoy.

It Brings People Together

While the use of free energy sources was once frowned upon, today, the opposite is true. After all, nothing can
bring people together more than a common cause. Going solar and saving the environment from the harmful
byproducts of traditional sources is a cause many people are being encouraged to consider. And with mainstream
banks now financing solar solutions, property owners from all demographics and socioeconomic statuses can join
forces to make the world a healthier, cleaner place.

Solar Power Drawbacks

It Doesn’t Work at Night
Photovoltaic cells are only able to harness energy when there is sunlight. This means that systems that can only use
solar energy in real-time must stay connected to a traditional utility grid. Regardless of how much you want to be
independent of these sources, you will need power during the night. Off-grid systems that use batteries to store the
electricity are able to provide you this, but they can be far more expensive than their on-grid counterparts.

It Requires Professional Installation

Unless you are a professional who regularly installs solar panels for a living, you will likely need help putting up
your system. On the one hand, this can be a good thing, as a professional installer will have the knowledge of how
to maximize every setup. They will help you ensure that the system captures the maximum amount of sunlight
possible so you can save the desired amount on your utility bill. Professional installers are also always up to date on
laws and regulations that apply in their area, so you can learn about applying for financial benefits if you qualify for
any of them. Apart from the installer and from the system itself, you will probably need help rewiring some of your
outlets as well. All these factors will add to the upfront costs of putting up a solar grid.

It Has a Minimalistic Design

Modern solar panels are designed for functionality in mind, which means they are generally sleek, uniformly
colored, and compact. Rather than being an elegant ornament, they are meant to fit snugly against the upper surface
of the roof. While this eliminates unnecessary parts on exterior walls, this minimalistic design doesn’t fit into
everyone’s aesthetic requirements. Of course, if you want your inverter box hidden under the panel and to
maximize the amount of power you produce, the looks won’t matter. But if your aim is to focus more on the visual
aspects of your property, covering it with large solar panels probably won’t be your first choice.

It Doesn’t Work for Every Property

Clashing with aesthetics may not be the only problem when installing a solar power system. It simply may not be
feasible to execute this on every building structure. Depending on the roof structure, orientation, and the number of
shaded hours, photovoltaic panels can be either impossible to put up or incapable of producing the desired results.
To make sure your investment will give a good return, you should only consider this option if you have plenty of
roof space that is bathed in sunshine for most of the day. Even though solar companies offer different solutions for
different situations, with older buildings, for example, you won’t have enough space for panels, or the panels won’t
be efficient enough, as you may lose large amounts of energy through the walls or ill-fitting windows and doors,
making it counterproductive.

There are Huge Differences in Quality

As more and more people become interested in going solar, more companies are considering this the perfect
business to invest in. Sadly, not all of them are willing to produce panels, inverters, and other necessary materials
that can live up to people’s expectations. Many companies are only in it for a quick profit and provide low-quality
systems, which can put people on the fence about whether it’s worth going solar or not. With the abundance of
selections available, there are so many differences in the efficiency, reliability, and durability of every system. And
of course, there is the question of the output of voltage you get, not to mention the overall design of the system. It’s
a good idea to do as much research as you are able to before opting for solar panels for your home or business. Be
sure to consider the impact of each of these elements on your system’s output, and pay particular attention to the
savings you can expect in the future. It’s always worth paying more upfront for a top-quality system rather than to
keep replacing elements and essentially lose money over time instead of earning it back from the grid.

It Can Harm the Environment

It is true that using clean energy like the sun helps reduce environmental pollution. However, solar panels are still
manufactured in industrial settings, and because of that, they can also affect the environment negatively. During the
production, some of the material waste is discarded, and chemicals are used to seal the panels. In addition, the
panels need to be transported to stores and then to customers. It’s worth mentioning that many companies are seeing
the benefits of using recycled materials even in photovoltaic cell production. For this reason, they are willing to
invest in improving their production processes. But even with the best intentions of making their manufacturing
process as environmentally friendly and socially sustainable as possible, the use of fuels used in melting and
transporting comes with inevitable carbon emission.

The Difference between Off-grid and On-grid Solar power systems

Installing a solar power system is certainly a challenging task, but with the right knowledge and correct setup, it can
also be incredibly rewarding. Estimating the property`s power consumption, selecting the appropriate photovoltaic
cells, and choosing between an off-grid solar power system and an on-grid solar power system are just some of the
factors homeowners should consider when switching to solar energy. Each user should decide how they wish to
utilize their power supply and should install a solar power system that works to meet their preferences. In addition,
one’s ability to budget or invest a certain amount upfront can also determine the type of solar supply network they
opt for. Both off and on-grid networks have their benefits and drawbacks, and the choice between them should
depend on the user’s needs and priorities.
With an on-grid system, your solar power harnessing network is connected to your utility company’s distribution
system. This provides more security to the consumers since they remain covered with power even if their personal
systems malfunction. Plus, if the customer generates any excess energy, they can sell it back to their power
company. Depending on their contract and residential regulations, users can benefit from this via credits for their
future energy consumption, tax reductions, or even be paid in cash for the power they have generated. Another
significant advantage of this method is that it requires less investment from the users. Instead of purchasing a means
to store the energy, like with the off-grid system, the owner only needs to buy the panels and the inverters and
connect them to the preinstalled power line on their property. Unfortunately, the aforementioned convenient
features also present one of the biggest disadvantages of this method, namely that due to the system being
connected to the utility company’s network, if that network shuts down, so does the solar power system. This means
that a system like this system is probably not the best option for areas without stable energy networks. However, if a
property produces more energy than it consumes, an on-grid solar power system is definitely worth considering.
Unlike an on-grid system, an off-grid solar power system is not connected to any utility grid, and it stores the
harnessed energy in a battery. Depending on the setup, this method can also generate more power than a property
uses during a day. This usually lasts either through a night, a period of really cloudy weather, or an emergency
situation. Each off-grid solar power system is uniquely designed and built based on the estimated energy
consumption of its users. With their energy goals in mind, each property owner can size their network and ensure
their own energy requirements on a constant basis. Without being dependent on a supply from a utility company,
users are protected from power failures and covered for outages caused by any reason. That being said, extended
exposure to heavy cloud coverage during the winter months can affect a property’s power supply. This is
particularly true in the northern hemisphere, where this period lasts significantly longer. In addition, this grid also
comes with the costs of purchasing multiple batteries for storage and their occasional replacements. However, a
well-designed power consumption plan can offset all these costs and make an off-grid system a worthwhile
investment.
 Chapter 2

What You Need

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.

How Much Power Do You Need?

First and foremost, you must determine the amount of energy that you require for your household appliances. Never
skip this step if you want to buy the appropriate components for the installation of your solar energy system. You
cannot simply buy solar panels and batteries and expect them to meet your needs. First, be sure to utilize a load
calculator to calculate the total power required for your home. It is a good idea to consult a professional solar panel
installer to help you list everything that you will require for your system.

Components for an Off-Grid Solar power system

Every solar power system requires similar components, but these components come in different forms. The
common elements for a solar power system consist of solar panels, mounts, batteries, solar cables, an inverter, and a
charge controller.

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.

Solar Charge Controller

A solar charge controller is another crucial component that you must have when installing a solar power system. A
charge controller plays a pivotal role in determining the amount of current that should be injected into each battery
to ensure optimum performance. Another essential function of a solar charge controller is that it determines the
operating life cycle of the batteries. This component helps protect your battery bank so that it does not overcharge.
If your solar panel is more than five watts, you will need a solar charge controller that sits between the battery and
the panel. A controller limits the amount of power that goes to your battery. It also shuts down the system if it falls
below 50 percent capacity of the stored power. With the right charge controller, you can preserve the life of your
batteries since they can charge at the correct voltage.
There are two main types of charge controllers: Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) and Maximum Power Point
Tracking (MPPT). For smaller applications, you can consider PWM controllers, which are cheaper. If you want to
get the most efficient charge controller, MPPT is the ideal option that suits large applications. MPPT is expensive,
but it comes with other benefits like preserving the life of your batteries. For an effective and efficient off-grid
system, MPPT controllers are the best option.

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.

Fuse and Breakers

Any system that uses AC to power appliances should have an appropriate AC load center. It should consist of fuses
and breakers that help play a role in over-current protection. Circuit breakers play a vital role in maintaining the
required AC voltage to the corresponding loads. A DC load center also plays a similar function of maintaining the
required current and voltage to the corresponding loads. Without proper fuses and circuit breakers, you risk
damaging your appliance if there is an oversupply of power.

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.

PVC Conduit Pipes

You will also need the right type of electrical PVC conduit pipes, and these are designed for the insulation of
thermal and electric conductors. Possible accidents like electrical shocks can arise from exposed electrical cables.
Insulation comes in handy to protect electric wires that pass through the ground or walls. Electrical conduit fittings
help to prevent electrical appliances from being exposed to chemical and physical damage. For instance, power
cables should be installed in dry places, and these are often protected by conduits.
Electrical conduits are made of different types of materials that can resist chemical and physical reactions, like the
wear and tear of the wires. Other metals like steel, zinc, iron, and aluminum have lower rates of reaction with other
reactants, and they can be used as conduits. Aluminum is mainly used in the manufacture of underground conduits
since its rate of reaction with oxygen is very low. This makes it resistant to corrosion. On the other hand, cast iron is
used for making conduits that are installed in areas where there is a risk of explosion.
Steel is mainly used for joint boxes where different wires and pipes meet. Zinc is also another cheap material that is
used in the manufacture of conduits since its reaction rate to other elements is very low. If your solar power system
consists of maximum protection and insulation, it can conserve energy. Other types of conduits like PVC pipes are
mostly used for interior tubing, whereas metal conduits are specifically meant for underground purposes. Flexible
conduits are used to protect wires that connect different motors. Non-metal conduits are cheap and light compared
to other forms of conduit, and they are multifunctional.
Make sure that you get appropriate conduits that are suited to the environment and to other factors that may affect
the flow or interruption of energy. These conduits also come in different shapes and dimensions that you should
familiarize yourself with. You should talk to a professional installer before you rush to buy these components.

Switches and Sockets

The other components that you will require for your solar power system include switches and sockets. You will
need switches for your lights and for other vital connections. You also need to get appropriate wall sockets to
connect your appliances. Check with a professional installer about whether there are special switches and sockets
for a solar power system.

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

Off-Grid Solar Power System Costs

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.

Off-Grid Solar power system Cost Based on Type

As you may know, solar power systems come in many different types. For example, there are AC solar power
systems that come with a backup generator, and these are considered the most common type of solar power system
used in off-grid situations. There are also mixed AC and DC solar power systems that work for people who don’t
need as much energy as that produced by a DC system. These systems come with backup batteries in case the sun is
not shining. Depending on your needs, you can choose the most suitable type of solar power system. However,
there are different costs for each system, and you need to figure out which one works best within your budget.

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.

Mixed DC and AC Systems

As we explained, mixed DC and AC, or alternating current, systems are suitable for people who need slightly more
electricity than a DC system can supply, but at the same time, do not need a fully involved system like the AC
types. This type of solar power system lets you use fewer batteries and panels to power larger appliances in your
home compared to stand-alone DC systems. Although it’s designed for lower energy needs and usage, batteries are
still provided with this system to supply your home with electricity even when there’s no sunlight. You will still
need a backup system along with this one, but they usually cost around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the size.

AC Systems with a Backup Generator

We consider AC systems with backup generators to be the most fitting for houses that run on off-grid solar power.
This AC system comes in the right size to power your home’s entire load, and the backup generator powers your
system and your home in case the sun is not out for a prolonged period. The generator also exists to work as a
standby system in case of a power emergency, as it uses propane, which is not the cheapest resource. This means
that if there was little sunlight for a few days and your system could not store enough energy, the backup generator
would kick in to cover your home’s electricity needs. You should expect to pay anywhere from $40,000 to $70,000
for an AC solar power system with a backup generator.

AC Systems with Wind

AC solar power systems with wind generators are ideal if you do not want to use a large solar-only system. These
systems allow you to scale down your solar needs and use the wind to power up your backup system. These are
perfect for areas with little sun and frequent winds. Depending on where you live, you may need one of those to
store backup energy without relying only on the sun. This means that when your AC solar power system is down,
you can use the backup electricity generated by the wind system. The costs of wind generator AC systems range
from $20,000 to $80,000, depending on the size of the system you choose. So, decide on your budget and energy
needs before choosing the type of off-grid solar power system suitable for your home.

Off-Grid Solar power system Cost Based on Size

Solar power systems can be installed in many different sizes. For example, you can use a 3kW or 4kW solar power
system to go completely off-grid if you live in a sunny area while using a backup system as well. However, most
homes will need 5kW to 7kW at least to run off-grid. Some houses have energy demands that are higher than usual,
so if you live in one of these houses, you’ll need a 10kW system at least. You can also use other smaller systems to
go off-grid if you pair them with other supplemental systems as a backup. Here are the costs of off-grid solar power
systems based on their sizes.

The Price of a 2kW Off-Grid Solar power system

2kW solar power systems are considered too small to rely on for complete off-grid usage. However, you can use
one of these systems along with another system to power your home and go off-grid if you live in a very sunny
climate. The best usage for these systems is to reduce your energy use and electricity bills while staying on the grid.
With this system size, you either need another main system as a backup, a very tiny house, or phenomenally low
power usage in order to go off-grid. They cost around $20,000 to $25,000, including all the components and parts.

The Price of a 3kW Off-Grid Solar power system

3kW systems are good enough to power smaller homes in sunny climates, although sometimes, it may be better to
have a backup system in place. This doesn’t mean that you can’t go off-grid with a 3kW solar power system. If you
have higher power needs, however, you’ll need a larger system. In fact, the majority of houses using this system
size still rely on the grid for electricity. If you’re using this system size to go off-grid or partially off-grid, it will
cost you around $35,000. The price of a regular 3kW solar power system is around $30,000.

The Price of a 4kW Off-Grid Solar power system

A 4kW solar power system is still not enough to power a high energy demanding house when going off-grid.
However, smaller homes can go off-grid easily with a 4kW system if located in sunny climates. You’ll also need a
backup system installed with your 4kW system if your energy usage is higher than average. The same applies if you
live in a moderately sunny area. A backup system will power your home even when the sun is not out. For off-grid
use and partial off-grid use, these systems cost from $35,000 to $40,000.

The Price of a 5kW Off-Grid Solar power system

In a very sunny area, an average-sized home can function off-grid with a 5kW solar power system. Additionally, a
smaller house can also be off-grid with a 5kW system in a moderately sunny area if a backup system is installed.
This size of a solar power system can provide enough energy for most houses to rely on its power independently.
However, it may still be a little small if you have higher-than-average energy needs. In that case, make sure you
also install a backup system to prevent power outages. The average 5kW solar power system costs between $40,000
and $45,000 if you’re using it to go off-grid.

The Price of a 10kW Off-Grid Solar power system

The 10kW size for solar power systems is sufficient for almost any house size in a moderately sunny climate. Even
average-sized homes with higher-than-average energy demands can live off-grid with a 10kW solar power system.
This is a good size if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on backup systems but want to rely on solar power
only to go off-grid. It’s large enough to power all your appliances without a backup system in place if you live in a
sunny area. 10kW systems provide all energy needs to any home if there’s enough sun. They cost from $70,000 to
$80,000.

The Price of a 20kW Off-Grid Solar power system

20kW solar power systems are perfect for all situations in lower sun areas. This includes homes that have higher
energy demands and those that don’t use backup systems. They are large systems that are sometimes more than you
will need for your entire home. They are perfect if you want complete independence from the grid. Alternative
mounting may be required if you go for this size of solar power system, as the panels involved can be more than a
standard roof can carry. The price of a 20kW system starts from $100,000 and goes up to $120,000 with all the
components and parts included.

The Price of a 30kW Off-Grid Solar power system

30kW solar power systems are great for businesses that want to go off-grid. For example, a farm that requires
extensive energy supplies in order to run efficiently may want to use this system. In this case, you’ll need a
commercial-sized system that can deliver all your power needs. 30kW systems provide all the energy a commercial
building would need to go off-grid in a moderately sunny area. Regardless, you should always keep a backup
system in place when running any commercial system. 30kW systems cost from $120,000 to $150,000 with all
components included.

Off-Grid Solar power system Cost Based on Component

In order to go completely off-grid, many components have to be assembled for your off-grid solar power system.
For example, using an AC system requires more than installing solar panels to power all of your home’s electrical
needs. For that type of system, you’ll also need an inverter, batteries, and charge controllers for the batteries. It will
cost you more to use a backup energy source such as wind power or backup generators. However, if you rely on a
DC system in addition to another mains system for all your primary power needs, you will not need batteries,
controllers, or inverters, and you’ll only need the panels. Outlined below are the costs of the main components of
off-grid solar power systems.

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 Battery System

Batteries are essential for any home to go off-grid, as they store excess energy to be used later. This is helpful when
there is no sun at night to power your panels. Batteries cost anywhere from $4,000 and $14,000 per installation, and
for off-grid usage, you’ll need either lithium-ion batteries or flooded lead-acid batteries. FLA or lead-acid solar
batteries come in two types, flooded and sealed. Meanwhile, lithium-ion batteries do not require maintenance at all
and are safer and more recommended for off-grid use. They last longer, are smaller in size and take less space than
FLA batteries, but they’re also a lot more expensive. They cost between $12,000 and $14,000. However, you’ll
only need 2 of those compared to 8 of the other FLA batteries.

Solar Charge Controller

Each one of your solar batteries requires a solar charge controller to charge it. So, you’ll need between 2 to 8 solar
charge controllers for your off-grid system. This component’s main function is to convert the energy that is
supposed to be stored into a storable form when the batteries are not able to handle the energy independently. Each
charge controller costs around $500 to $600, and you may need up to 8 controllers. So, the costs of these charge
controllers vary depending on the size and type of solar power system you have at home.

Costs of Alternative Energy Sources

If you live in a moderately sunny area, you may not get as much sunlight as required for your system to run
effectively. Insufficient sunlight can cause your solar power system to fail, which is why you need an alternative or
backup energy source when your system is not getting enough solar energy. You can go for wind or hydro turbines,
which usually cost about $6,000 to $11,000. Another option is to install a backup generator that is powered by
propane, and the cost of a generator ranges from $4,000 to $9,000, so make sure you consider this one as the last
option unless your budget allows for an extra $9K.

The Number of Panels Required to Run a House Off-Grid

Normally, your home’s power needs to determine the number of panels required in your solar power system. On
average, most homes in sunny climates that don’t want to rely on backup systems would use a 7kW system. To
produce 7kW from your system, you need 27 solar panels, which is an array of panels that may be too many for
your house roof to handle. Therefore, they may not be fixed on the roof if there are too many to fit. In these cases,
arrays can be fastened partly on the roof or on nearby poles. You also may need more solar panels, depending on
your home’s average energy consumption.

Off-Grid System Labor Costs

Around 10% of an off-grid system’s price is made up of the labor costs involved to put your system in place, such
as installing the batteries and panels, mapping out the best position for installing the panels, getting the system up
and running, and connecting all of the components together. For example, a $50,000 system will require around
$5,000 just as labor costs. You’ll notice that instead of charging you separately for labor costs, most companies
include them in the overall package price. These costs usually vary depending on many factors, including the
condition of your roof and whether it requires additional reinforcement, the system’s size, the pole type required to
mount the panels, and the general setup or layout of the project.
Most people use a solar power system to power their homes while staying on the grid. However, going off-grid
requires more than installing solar panels and certainly costs a lot more. In order to plan out your budget before
going for an off-grid solar power system, you need to consider all the different costs of all parts and components
included in these systems. You also need to determine the size and type of the system your home needs which
should be based on your average energy consumption. Other factors include the climate you live in and whether
you’re going to be using a backup system or not.
 Chapter 4

How Many Panels Do You Need?

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.

How to Calculate Usage

First and foremost, you need to know your goals before you determine the number of solar panels you will need for
your home. Investing in a solar power system is a good way of reducing your carbon footprint while at the same
time maximizing your return on investment. Investing in a solar power system at your home can be costly the first
time when you buy the required equipment, but you can enjoy free energy from the sun for the rest of its lifespan.
As you are going to see in detail below, you need to know the amount of energy your household uses to calculate
the number of solar panels you will need. Solar panels come in different sizes, so you must also consider the surface
area on the roof where you will mount them. Solar panels also provide different levels of wattage, so you need to
figure out the peak sunlight and climate where you live. The efficiency of the photovoltaic (PV) panels you want
also determines the number of panels you will require for your home.
It is essential to seek advice from a professional solar installer if you want to get the right details about the number
of solar panels you will need. A professional will evaluate your home energy needs and calculate the number of
solar panels you may need.

How Much Solar Power Is Needed?

The best determinants, in this case, are your previous utility bills. They will help you determine the average energy
requirements for your home. For instance, to calculate the number of solar panels you need, multiply the highest
hours of sunlight where you live by your home’s hourly energy needs and divide by the solar panel’s wattage. The
wattage produced by a single solar panel will determine the number of panels that you may require on your roof.
The amount of sunlight that reaches your roof also affects the efficiency and number of solar panels you will need
for your household needs. Solar panels have different specifications and features that affect their efficiency. Other
factors like battery storage and roof size will play a role in determining the number of solar panels that you should
install on the roof.

Determining the Watts You Need

Look at your average electricity bills for the previous months to determine the ‘Kilowatt Hours’ (kWh) used. First,
take note of the period that is usually represented in 30 days on your utility bill. You can also use the method of
subtracting the previous meter reading from the current one to get the kilowatt-hours used for a specific period.
You will need hourly and daily usage to get your calculations correct. You can get this information from your utility
bill, or you can calculate manually to get the kWh for your household use. Depending on the region where your
home is located and its size, you can use about 200kWh per month. On the other hand, larger homes that use more
energy on air conditioning use about 2,000kWh or more. However, many average homes in the US use about
900kWh every month. This translates to about 30kWh per day or something like 1.25 kWh per hour.
Therefore, use your average daily energy use as your target to calculate the daily average solar energy needs to suit
your home. The number of kilowatt-hours that you will require your solar power system to produce should be
determined by your total energy needs. However, it is vital to note that not all solar panels operate at maximum
efficiency all the time. Elements like weather conditions can impact the efficiency of your solar power system.
Your solar power system does not provide optimum energy during cloudy or rainy days. Other powerful panels can
still function under such conditions, but they will not be as efficient as they do under sunny conditions. You must
look at the average wattage produced by each panel to determine the total number of solar panels that you may
need. Consult your professional solar panel installer to get the right details about the solar panels that you can buy
for your home.

Sunlight You Receive in Your Area

Another important consideration relates to the number of hours that you expect to receive sunlight in your area.
Your peak sunlight hours can directly impact the energy that your solar power system can produce on that particular
day. In some areas, you can expect to get many peak sunlight hours compared to other places. If you live in a place
where the number of peak sunlight hours is less, you can still use solar energy, but you will need more panels to
capture the energy.
You can find reliable sunlight information in your city or state from the Renewable Resources Data Center, which
will help you make informed decisions. To convert your hourly generation solar power into watts, you should
multiply by 1,000. You also need to divide the average hourly wattage needs by the amount of daily peak sunlight
hours in your place. This will get you the number of solar panels that you may need to produce energy every hour.
In a place where a home requires an average of 900kWh/month and gets about five peak hours of sunlight per day,
you will need 6,000 watts. This means that you will need 20 solar panels that produce 300 watts. If you are
installing 140-watt solar panels, you will need 40 of them. However, you need to take into account the size of your
roof to get the ideal number of panels.

Other Factors that Affect Efficiency of Solar Output

Solar output efficiency varies according to several factors. Not all solar panels are the same. For instance,
photovoltaic (PV) solar panels that are commonly used on residential properties have wattages that ranges from 150
to 270 watts per single panel. The size of the panel determines efficiency concerning the level at which each solar
panel can convert light from the sun into energy.
Cell technology also determines the efficiency of different solar panels. Solar cells that do not consist of grid lines
can absorb more sunlight than other conventional cells. The panels with no grid lines also do not experience issues
like delamination or peeling since the cell types make them strong and resistant to corrosion and cracking.
Additionally, a microinverter mounted on each panel helps to optimize the conversion of power at the source, in
contrast to a single inverter that is mounted inside the house.
These variations can make it difficult to determine the right panels for your home since they differ in efficiency and
quality. The variations can also affect the number of solar panels that you will need for your house. More efficient
solar panels can produce more wattage, which means that you will need panels on your roof. You can still get the
same energy output from fewer solar panels that are efficient and produce more wattage. Look at the number of
watts that each solar panel can produce so that you can know the appropriate number of panels for your home.
In short, divide the home’s hourly wattage requirements by the panels’ wattage if you want to figure out the exact
number of solar panels that you need for your home. For an average-sized home, you need about 20 solar panels
consisting of 300W. However, you will need more solar panels consisting of lower wattage.
What Effect Does Solar Panel Size Have on Energy Generated?
The size of each solar panel that you choose for your roof plays a pivotal role in determining the total number of
panels that you may need. If you have a larger roof, you can buy larger solar panels at a lower cost, but you may
sacrifice efficiency by doing this. If your roof is small, it is a good idea to use fewer solar panels that provide high
efficiency to make the best use of energy from the sun.
The most common solar panel dimensions for residential properties are 65 inches by 39 inches. However, the sizes
of solar panels vary by manufacturer, and you need to do some homework before you make a final decision. While
the dimensions of other panels have not significantly changed, the efficiency and energy output has changed over
time. Some solar panels are more efficient than others, and this helps you to minimize the total that you may need
on your roof. Your electricity generation needs can help you figure out the exact number of solar panels that you
need for your home.
A professional solar panel installer must inspect your roof first to assess its architecture and the angle of the sun.
The position of your home will also help you to arrange the panels on your roof to achieve your daily energy
requirements. Net metering is another factor that you can consider when installing solar panels. This refers to how
your utility company will credit you when your system produces excess solar energy during the day. Your utility
company will let you draw from the credits when you revert to a conventional power grid if there is insufficient
light to generate power, especially at night. However, this depends on the quality of the solar battery system that
you have in your home. Make sure that your appliances will not overload the energy supply system in your home.

Load Considerations for Water Pumps

To figure out the amount of solar energy that you will require for your water pumping system, there are different
factors that you must consider. The solar water pumping system is affected by various factors that can also impact
the number of solar panels that you need. For instance, calculate the amount of water required by each person and
multiply that by the number of people in your home. This will help you choose the appropriate solar pumping
system that can meet your household needs.
It is vital to consider the pumping rate or the number of gallons of water the pump can move over a specific period.
You also need to consider the height that the pump needs to move the water and other friction loss that can take
place along the pipeline. To determine the number of gallons that a pump can move per minute using solar panels,
you need to consider the number of hours that the pump can run per day. You also need to consider other factors
like bad weather and how it can affect the quantity of water that is pumped per day. The direction of the roof
housing the panels also plays a pivotal role in determining the amount of energy that can be generated by the solar
power system in your home.
The pump will push the water vertically to the storage tank. There will be friction loss experienced from water
flowing through the pipes. The friction head loss also determines the amount of energy required to meet the daily
water requirements of your household. There are handy tables that you can use to calculate the appropriate number
of solar panels that you will need to pump sufficient water for your needs.
With the right information, you can choose the right type of submersible solar pump that will meet your water
requirements at home. There are different charts for various pumps to help you to choose the right model that suits
your total water requirements. Other pumps offer higher hourly pumping rates depending on factors like the wattage
of the solar power system.
Once you have figured out the model of pump that you can get for your water requirements, you need to consider
the number of watts for the solar panels that you will need to pump water. To get the right number of solar panels,
use a table that usually comes with the different pumps. As a general rule, you must ensure that the size of the panel
or number of the panels exceeds the energy requirements by about 30%. This will help to compensate for other
elements like poor weather conditions that can affect the efficiency of your solar power system. Other factors like
the height of the storage tank also determine the energy that you will need to pump water that meets your daily
requirements.
The voltage of the water pump determines the wattage of the solar panel that you will require. For a 30 volt pump,
you will need a solar panel of 116 watts. As you have already observed, you need to oversize the wattage of a pump
by about 30% to get the right amount of energy during times of adverse weather conditions. You must read the
manual carefully that comes with the solar power system that you intend to use to pump water.

Solar Power Required for a Fridge

If you choose the option of using solar power in your home, you must calculate the energy requirements for your
gadgets. For instance, a fridge does not require a lot of power, unlike other appliances such as stoves. The minimum
power that you will require for running a residential fridge for about 24 hours is 600 amp-hours. You also need 600
watts of solar panels on the roof to charge the batteries inside. Solar panels come with different wattages and sizes
that you must know in order to buy the right products.
You may need about two 300 watt solar panels to power a residential fridge. These panels work best when there is
sufficient light from the sun. You also need to get strong batteries that can preserve sufficient energy to use during
the night. In this case, you will need two solar panels just for the fridge, excluding other devices like kitchen
appliances, radio, computer, lights, and television. Therefore, you will need to calculate the energy requirements for
each device in your home to see how much solar power you may need.
If you do not have monthly utility bills, you can try to work out the power requirements for each gadget in your
home. After calculating the power required for your fridge, do the same for other devices in your home. When you
compute the total wattage for your gadgets, use this value to determine the number of solar panels that you will
need. It is essential to buy storage batteries with corresponding power to provide energy for your gadgets during the
night or when the weather condition is poor. Ask an expert if you are unsure of the usage of each gadget as often
solar energy companies have useful leaflets giving this kind of information.
The other important thing to remember is to exceed your solar energy requirements in order to cover up for the
losses that can be caused by bad weather and different use of electricity on different days. However, you must
consult a professional first to avoid damaging your gadgets. Make sure that the power in your home is regulated so
that it does not damage your electrical appliances. You also need to ensure that your solar power system is properly
installed so you can enjoy the efficient output of energy.
Solar energy is increasingly gaining popularity since it significantly helps lower your carbon footprint. Apart from
the initial cost of installing the solar power system at your home, you can enjoy free energy in the long run. Solar
power is cost-effective since it helps you eliminate monthly utility bills. To enjoy the full benefits of solar energy,
you must make the right decision at first. Be sure to buy the right number of solar panels that can meet your energy
requirements. This depends on the number of gadgets that you use in your home.
It is vital to use your previous power utility bills to determine the total amount of energy that you require in your
home. You also need to consider other factors like the size of your roof to calculate the number of panels that you
may need. The wattage and size of each panel play a pivotal role in determining the number of panels that you will
need. To make the right decisions, you must consult a professional solar installer who can assess your property and
your energy requirements.
 Chapter 5

Building I: Site Survey

‘I’d put my money on the Sun and solar energy.

What a source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait
until oil and coal run out before we tackle that.’
- Thomas Edison

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.

Measuring Available Space

Calculating the available space for a power system is fairly simple but vital. It is important to get the measurements
correct to achieve the best results. Measurement requirements are dependent on what type of solar panel you intend
to use and how much electricity your off-grid home needs. The rule of thumb is that 1 KW (kilowatt) of DC power
equals 2 square meters of panels that are in full sun and optimally oriented at all times under average weather
conditions. So, if you need 3KW more or less than this, then adjust for optimum success when calculating your roof
area availability. You may find that less or more space is needed depending on the available roof area and your
latitude/inclination of panels.
Several considerations come into play when calculating space:
Roof Type - How much flat surface area you have without obstructions like air conditioner units,
chimney flues, TV antennas, etc. These things can affect your ability to mount solar panels, or they
can be mounted over them.
Roof Pitch - This is how much of a slant your roof has from one side to another. If you have a 90-
degree pitch on each side (the apex), then you will have the greatest amount of area. You’ll need to
find out what your pitch is at its steepest point if it’s not obvious. Most roofs these days have a
slanting pitch on at least one side. A little known fact is that this can be an advantage for solar
panels, especially if the panels face north and south with no obstructions in the way to reduce their
effectiveness.
Ground Level - How far off your ground-level measurements will you need to go down to include
cables etc. You will want to measure the roof surface if you want to have room for expansion later
on.
Roof Overhang - How much of a slant does your roof have in the front where it meets the street, or
how much overhang do you have to account for? This can be an issue for panels mounted at the
side or back of a building, especially if there are trees nearby that will shade them regularly as you
move throughout each day’s sunlight cycle.
The Direction of the Panels
Generally, it’s best to have a clear view of the sky in all directions. An obstruction such as a tree or a building that
blocks sunlight can reduce your system’s energy production by 10%. It is important to make sure none of the panels
are shaded by nearby structures or trees. When selecting a location for Off-Grid Solar Power systems, place them
where they will get maximum light exposure throughout most of each day and time of year. Keep in mind that
during sunrise and sunset, light levels become lower, and many shadows can be created by buildings and trees. If
you do mount your panels on your roof, be aware that trees and buildings can cast shadows on your Off-Grid Solar
Power systems and reduce the amount of light they receive.
Selecting a site with clear access to the sun is important too. Position your Off-Grid solar panels so that they are
facing in the same direction as the sun, which changes seasonally throughout the year and will vary by latitude. If
you use small portable (mono or polycrystalline) panels, these can usually be placed just about anywhere and
adjusted for maximum efficiency. However, if you have large, fixed plates, then it’s best to ensure there’s room to
place them where they won’t be in the way of buildings, trees, or objects.

The Angle of the Panels

The angle of the solar array is a crucial factor in how much energy your system will produce. Optimally, you should
mount Off-Grid Solar Power systems on the side or back of buildings where they can receive as much direct
sunlight as possible throughout each day’s cycle without being blocked. The best way to look at it is in degrees or
as a compass direction, and the angle of the solar array should be facing either North or South, which will increase
its effectiveness during each day’s cycle.
Your Off-Grid Solar Power system’s total performance will be reduced if you face the solar array at an angle (or
‘tilt’) from North or South. For example, a tilt of 10 degrees can reduce your power output by about 15% on
average. However, tilting is not a fixed number and can be altered depending on your needs. For example, if you
live in an area with many cloudy days during the year, then you can tilt your system slightly toward the East or
West, which is where sunrises and sets.

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.

Cable Paths and Length

All off-grid solar power systems need to connect the panels to the charge controller (or batteries). This is most
easily done with cables. The proper cable lengths will ensure that voltages and currents reach their components
without being too high or too low. Cables need to be positioned in such a way that they don’t get damaged and are
easy to replace.
Achieving a solar-powered roof is much simpler than many would think. The process begins by laying out the bus
bars and attaching each panel to one end of it, then running wires from the other ends to the charge controller
below. Connections can be made directly on the ends of these cables if you like, but many people prefer to bring
them into a central junction box with wire nuts. To reduce voltage drop, try to use as large a gauge of wire as
possible for the length (AWG), but ensure that it is still small enough (diameter-wise) to fit inside the cable glands
of your solar equipment. Fittings may also need to support larger wires if they are being used to bring in power
from more than one panel. The color of the wire doesn’t matter. What matters is how thick or thin it is. If there are 4
wires, use a 10 AWG cable. If there are 3 wires, use a 12 AWG cable.
For systems using batteries, this juncture box must be located centrally enough within the array of panels that all
battery connections can be made without having to walk more than a few feet. In practice, this means that you
should place your charge controller as close as possible to the center of your system. If you only have one row of
panels, the charge controller can be positioned at either end. In this case, batteries should be located near the
controller.
At a minimum, you should use two cables for each panel; one positive and one negative. The most robust approach
is to simply run two cables alongside each other from the solar array through the junction box (via cable gland) to
the charge controller with a junction box inline. This allows you to parallel connect additional wires without having
to terminate new wires, thereby enabling a thicker gauge.

Ways to Protect Components

When building an off-grid solar power system, protecting the components from the elements is paramount. The
following are some simple things that can be done to make sure your system continues to function well for many
years. These tips will help you protect your system and maintain it in top-notch condition:
Keep electrical components away from any high-heat and flame sources, be it appliances,
fireplaces/woodstoves, etc. The inverter and charge controller run hot, so do not place them near
any direct heat sources.
Do not allow water to be stored underneath your solar panels (for example, in a rain barrel). This
applies to the roof of your house as well if you have a suitable location for a rain barrel. Water will
cause rust and corrosion of the components underneath, which will affect their ability to produce
power.
Keep wires short to reduce heat, and use heavy-gauge wire to minimize voltage drop. A good way
to manage this is by placing your batteries in a shed or basement that requires very short wires.
Keep inverters attached to your batteries so they can be easily accessed for maintenance. It is
recommended to permanently mount the inverter in a spot that makes sense for your system and so
that you can easily get to it.
Avoid storing components directly on concrete. Concrete is usually cold and damp, which can
cause condensation on any exposed component, leading to corrosion over time. It is best to store
components away from direct contact with concrete if possible and use some sort of protective
covering (such as wood underlayment) or raise them off the floor on something like plywood or
pallets. This also applies to the inverter, charge controller, and any other electrical equipment that
you have.

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

Building II: Planning and Design

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.

Estimating Power Needs

It’s common for most people to skip over this step when planning for their solar power system, but it’s one of the
most important things you need to do. You can’t plan a car trip without knowing how far you’re going to drive and
what type of vehicle you’re going to need. The same applies to planning a solar power system. You need to know
how much your average energy consumption is before deciding on the size or type of system you’re going to use.
As explained in previous chapters, proper estimation of your home’s power requirements needs to be done in order
to identify the number of solar panels you need on top of your roof. This step is also an important aspect when
designing and building your solar off-grid system because it impacts the size of your system. We explained before
how you can use online calculators to determine your power needs, by entering your different house appliances and
electrical devices and writing down the values. It’s always safer to overestimate the size of your system rather than
building an insufficient one that can’t cover all of your energy requirements. Make sure you include everything
you’re going to power in your calculations because sometimes, little changes can lead to a huge difference in your
average energy consumption.

Solar Panels Based on Location and Time of Year

You can also find a wide range of online calculators that help you estimate the number of solar panels you need for
your off-grid solar power system. These calculators analyze the sun hours your house gets based on its location and
time of year. The sun hours are calculated by counting the average number of hours in the day when the sun is
directly shining on your solar panels. This is when your panels get the most power, so with some angles in the
morning or evening, let’s say at 8 am or 5 pm, your panels won’t provide you with the same energy provided at 1
pm. That’s why some sun hours are counted as half an hour instead. This is not to mention that the whole
calculation changes in the winter as the number of daytime hours diminishes, and the sunlight provided may not
even be sufficient like it is in the summer. This is because most houses that use solar power systems are not located
near the equator.
You need to consider the worst-case scenario for your location and calculate the amount of sunshine you get in the
season with the fewest sun hours. This way, you avoid going through power failures during certain parts of the year.

The Number of Required Batteries

The next step, after finding out how much power you need, is finding out how many batteries you need to store this
power and how big they need to be. More precisely, how much storage do you need? You need something that will
last you longer than 4 or 5 days. Also, ask yourself if you will be using any additional or backup energy source,
such as a turbine or generator, for example. These are all factors that impact your decisions when planning the
number and size of batteries you need for your solar power system. Even the room temperature where you’ll place
your batteries matters. Batteries need to be stored at temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and you’ll need a
bigger battery bank if the temperature goes colder. At a temperature below freezing, you’ll need a battery bank that
is 50% larger in size.
Depending on the size of your system, you may need a higher voltage battery bank to lower the number of parallel
strings and reduce the current between the inverter and the battery bank. For example, you can get a 24V or 48V
battery bank depending on your energy needs. In most cases, you’ll have to go for high voltage batteries, which will
not just reduce the number of parallel strings your batteries have but also allow you to use cheaper and thinner
copper cabling between the inverter and the batteries.

Choosing a Solar Charge Controller

Now that you have your batteries ready and know how much solar power you’re receiving, it’s time to establish
how you’re going to take the solar power and store it in the batteries. The basic calculation for determining the size
of your solar charge controller is to divide the number of solar energy watts by the voltage from your battery bank.
Make sure you also add 25% to the calculation for extra safety.
It’s important to note that charge controllers come in two main technologies, MPPT and PWM. You use a PWM
charge controller when the voltage of your solar panel array is different from that of the battery bank. For example,
if you use a 24V battery and have a 24V panel, you can use a PWM charge controller. You will need to use an
MPPT charge controller if your battery voltage is different from the solar panel voltage, and the panels can’t be
wired in series to make the voltages match; for example, if you use a 12V battery and have a 20V solar panel
voltage.

Choosing the Inverter

You can skip this step if you’re only running DC loads straight from your batteries. However, the power charged in
the batteries needs to be converted into a usable form if you’re powering AC loads. In this case, you’ll need to
convert direct current into alternating so that it can be used to power your appliances. That said, find out the type of
AC power required before choosing the inverter. Sometimes, it’s a mixture of both, and while some inverters can be
configured between voltages or frequencies, some are fixed. So, make sure you check the specs very carefully
before choosing your inverter.
If you live in North America, find out if any of your appliances use 240V or if they all just use 120V. Some
inverters can put out 240V and let you wire their output so that you can use both 240V and 120V. Other types of
inverters are stackable, which means that each inverter can output 120V, but you can stack more than one inverter
together to give you 240V. Other types, however, cannot be stacked and only produce 120V. This is why it’s crucial
that you check the specs before purchasing any type of inverter for your off-grid solar power system.
Another important step is figuring out how many watts your inverter is going to power. This can be done by
checking the load list you may have created in the first step to determine your energy needs. You should also have
an idea of your home’s loads’ surge requirements from the first few steps. However, keep in mind that every
inverter is created to work with a specific battery bank voltage such as 12V, 24V, or 48V. If you’re planning to
grow your system in the future or replace your batteries with ones of a different voltage, remember to change your
charge controller if it’s not the same voltage.

Solar Power System Ancillary Items

Many other little components contribute to the design of an off-grid solar power system. Your system will also
require a bunch of other cables, mountings, and connectors for the batteries, as well as panels and inverters that
make up your off-grid solar power system. You’ll also need fuses and breakers to stop and protect your system from
when there’s too much current flowing. Depending on the design of your off-grid solar power system, you may
need different sizes of wire and different types of breaker boxes. Make sure you also consider the process of
mounting your solar panels when thinking about all the pieces or components you need for your system.

About Solar Installation Wires

Cables are an essential part of any electrical installation, no matter what the size or proportions are. They transport
the energy from the source of the installation to any other required point. In a solar off-grid system, the cables are
responsible for interconnecting all the system components together and connecting them to the load itself. The main
structure of a common solar installation wire consists of the conductor, insulation, and jacket.
The conductor is the core material made of conductive metal to transport electricity. Most cables use either
Aluminum or copper, and the wire can either be solid or stranded with multiple cores, depending on how much
flexibility is needed. The insulation prevents any interruption or loss of energy that goes through the wires. It also
ensures electrical insulation between the user and the conductor, so it protects both the user and the cable from its
surroundings. The materials used commonly for insulation are Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Ethylene Propylene
Rubber (EPR), and Cross-linked Polyethylene (XLPE).
The Jacket is a sheath of either UV-rated PVC or LSZH (Polyolefin, Low Smoke Halogen-Free) that provides the
cable with mechanical protection from the exterior.

Off-Grid System Cables

The standard for cables’ acronyms are based on the insulation materials and structure describing the cables’
applications. There are many acronyms according to cable types. However, what you need to look out for is their
application and rated temperature operation. For example, consider whether they will be placed in wet, dry, sun-
exposed, or underground locations. We’ll explain how these acronyms by referring to the most common cable types
used in solar installations.
THW: Short for Thermoplastic Heat Water, its rated temperature is 75°C. Features include moisture
resistance and suitability for dry and wet locations. Application is regular electrical installations.
THWN-2: Short for Thermoplastic Heat and Wet resistance, its rated temperature is 90°C. Features
include integrated protection from oils and other chemicals due to Nylon coating, suitability for dry and
wet locations, and high-temperature resistance. Application is the battery to inverter and charge
controller to battery banks.
THHN: Thermoplastic High Heat-resistant Nylon Coated. The rated temperature is 90°C. Features are
Nylon coating protection from gasoline, oils, and other chemicals, high resistance to high temperatures,
and suitability for dry environments. Application is the battery to inverter and charge controller to
battery banks.
USE-2, RHW-2: Underground Service, Entrance-2 stands for High-Heat Resistant. The rated
temperature is 90°C. Features include suitability for underground installations and suitability for dry
and wet locations. Application is ground mounts.
PV Wire: Acronym for Photovoltaic Cable. The rated temperature is 90°C. Features are UV sunlight
and weather resistance, flame resistance, resistance to high temperatures, resistance to chemicals and
oils, excellent moisture resistance, and suitability for wet and dry locations. Application is a connection
from PV panels to the charge controller.

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.

Solar Panels to Charge Controller Wiring

Before sizing the cables running from the solar panels to the charge controller, you need to become familiar with
your solar module and the charge controller’s basic parameters. Let’s assume your off-grid system is a 1kW PV
system for illustration purposes. Let’s also assume that your solar panel is rated 250W with 38V for open-circuit
voltage (Voc) and 9A for short circuit current (ISC). Your charge controller has a rated 40A charge current and a
100V DC for maximum PV input, and your battery nominal voltage is 12V at 520W and 24V at 1040W.
Now, taking this example of a 1kW system, you will need 4 250W panels to power the whole system. You have two
options; either to connect them in parallel to add more current or to connect them in series to add more voltage.
However, your charge controller has a maximum of 100V DC, which means that you can only connect two panels
of 38V in series so that their total would be 76V DC, not exceeding the charge controller’s voltage limit. To
maximize the number of panels connected in a series, you can connect the other two panels in a series as well, then
connect the two strings in parallel. The total now will be 76V DC for Voc and 18A for ISC.
Now that you have the layout, you also need to find out the ampacity and voltage drop parameters to determine the
type of cable that you will be using. PV applications’ ampacity has a standard factor of 1.56. As for the voltage
drop, you can use a formula, including the distance from the panels to the charge controller, and allow for a
maximum of 3% voltage drop. You can then convert from mm2 to AWG gauge standards to determine the cable
that provides you with the least voltage drop.
Using the manufacturer’s PV wire table and referring to the same hypothetical measurements, we can conclude that
a 12 AWG PV wire would be perfect for this cable section. Its current carrying capacity, as per the table, is 40A for
90°C, and the voltage drop is below 12 AWG, which makes it suitable for wiring between the solar panels and the
charge controller.

Charge Controller to Battery Bank Wiring

The voltage of your system determines the size of the wire going from the charge controller to your battery. It
depends on how big your house’s load is, so using the previous example, you’ll be using 24V since a 1kW PV
system would exceed the maximum power generated by 12V. For this wires section, consider the charge
controller’s charge rated current, which is 40A as per the previous example. For security and safety reasons, you
should oversize the amperage of the cable by 24% in your calculations, meaning you get 50A. Calculate the voltage
drop if needed, then referring to the NEC table, you will find out that you can use a 10 AWG.

Batteries to Inverter Wiring

Wire sizing the section between the batteries and the inverter depends on the battery bank voltage. Of course, this is
the same voltage of the inverter charger and the constant power output of the inverter. In this example, we can
choose an inverter of 2200W and 24V. You can use a standard formula and apply a 25% security factor to figure
out the rated electrical current. Going with a THHN insulation cable, use the rated current to find the right gauge in
the NEC table. Voltage drop may not be required in this calculation; eventually, it will be necessary to use a 4
AWG.

Wiring for DC Loads

The DC loads of any off-grid system are commonly connected or wired to the solar charge controller. That being
said, the load or loads you connect determine the whole wiring process of this section. Typically, common and daily
DC appliances like USB charging, lights, or fans can be connected using a 12 AWG THW wire of up to 20A. Other
DC pumps or fridge motors may require a 10 AWG gauge cable.
Building a solar off-grid system requires more than mounting solar panels on top of your roof. You need to
understand your energy needs, as they impact each component in your off-grid system. A big part of any solar
power system installation is the wiring and cable sizing, which connects all your system parts together. Once you
find out the types of cables you need, you’ll be able to connect all your components based on the right voltage
measurements and power requirements.
 Chapter 7

Building III: Tools Needed

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.

Flat Pry Bar

Although it is not a very widespread tool, even for those who want to get their solar panels installed, a flat pry bar
can prove to be very helpful in the process. If your roof has shingles, you will need it so you can slip the flashing
under the shingles. There are only two ways to install your mounts; right under your shingles or straight onto your
roof. A flat pry bar will help you lift the shingle exactly where you plan on getting your mounts installed. Then, you
can easily slip your flashing through, screw your mounts, and then finally add the rails.

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.

Battery Operated Drill

Battery Operated Drills are simple tools. It may come across as a surprise that even expert providers use the old,
corded drills. Getting a battery-operated one will provide you with more convenience since they are efficient and
portable. Most importantly, they are strong enough to take on your drilling activities on the roof. Because it makes
the entire job easier and smoother, it can significantly reduce your risk of falling off the roof as you work.

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.

Wire Cutter or Stripper

Many people are led to believe that the hardest part of this DIY project is the installation procedure, and they forget
all about the wiring and its respective complexities. After you get the panels fixed, you may either contact an
electrician or resume your DIY efforts. Completing your own wiring requires you to get the right wire cutters and
strippers. This way, you will ensure that you get this hassle over within no time.

Solar Panel Hanger

While other tools are rather old, solar panel hangers are considered a more novel addition to the toolset. As a matter
of fact, they are among the newest innovations in the solar panel industry. This tool offers a very direct and perfect
solution if you struggle with the proper positioning of the panels over the rail. Even though they haven’t been on the
market for too long, they are now crucial tools for any individual who opts to install solar panels. The special thing
about solar panel hangers is that they can help ensure the safe placement of the panels on the rails. This tool alone
reduces the need for a 50-pound moving cell, as well as the potential risk of your roof collapsing in on your home.

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.

Rooftop and Protection

Specialized workers know that each worksite differs from the other, which is why they make it a point to visit the
site before they start working so they can identify possible safety hazards. After doing so, they come up with
strategic plans to help them approach the situation. This means that you can’t get solid advice on rooftop risks and
hazards. The best you can do is ensure that your equipment is in good working conditions; you can have them
inspected and authenticated by the manufacturer or a nearby repair shop. Make sure to pay extra attention to the
equipment you’ll need to safely handle and lift your solar panels and the size and type of scaffolding and ladder.
You should take some type of fall protection measure, such as placing soft mats all around. The protective gear that
workers typically wear consists of safety glasses, sturdy boots, and gloves.

Handling and Lifting Solar Panels

Solar panels are generally very heavy. Carefully lifting and placing them can be a struggle. When we discuss lifting
and handling your solar panels, we are not only referring to the technical installation process. Don’t forget that
you’ll probably have to unload them from the truck, or at the very least, carry them all the way up to your roof. This
may cause you to strain your back or pull a muscle. You should also keep in mind that as soon as they’re exposed to
the sun, solar panels can get extremely hot. If you don’t take precautions, you will get burned. If you can, try to
have at least two other people carry the solar panels with you. Carrying them on your own will be exceptionally
hard and dangerous. You can also use a forklift to move the solar panels around and thoroughly inspected hoists,
ladder-based winches, or cranes, as you should never carry them up a ladder. As soon as you unpackage your solar
panels, cover them with opaque sheets as this will help you prevent them from getting overly heated. Never take off
your gloves when you’re handling the solar panels.

Wiring and Electricity

Photovoltaic systems are full of electricity-conducting parts, such as the inverter and the PV solar array. The
inverter is the component that transforms the panel’s direct current all the way to a different one. When any of these
parts are active along with the electricity that the sun’s energy creates, many injuries such as arc-flashes and electric
shocks can occur. You shouldn’t underestimate the risks even when the lights are low, as they can still produce
enough power or voltage to trigger a serious injury. Any PV system has two sources that generate electricity: the
solar array, which absorbs sunlight, and the utility company. This is why the PV system will resume power
generation even when your main breaker is off. While this is typically advantageous in terms of efficiency, it makes
it several times more difficult to isolate power sources.
As we mentioned before, you need to cover your solar panels with opaque sheets, and approach the solar PV array’s
wiring just as carefully as you would handle the utility power line. Conduct a circuit or meter test to make sure that
your circuits are all off before you begin working. Keep the power locked out on your systems, and avoid
disconnecting PV wiring, such as PV module connectors at all costs, when they’re under load.

Slips and Falls

Falling, tripping, and slipping are all potential risks that anyone working on a solar panel installation project may
face, regardless of whether they are a professional or a beginner. These accidents can happen anywhere as you
work, specifically when you are on a rooftop or working with a ladder. As you install more ladders, the area that
you have to work in gets smaller and smaller, leaving you a tighter space to work with. This increases your risk of
falling. To avoid any of these incidents, try to ensure that the area is fully dry and free of any obstructions or
obstacles. If the area in which you’re working is over six feet, make sure that there are guardrails installed around
your skylights, ledges, and sunroofs. You should use safety nets and wear a body harness that’s anchored to the
roof. Make sure that any holes in your roof, such as skylights, are covered, as well as pits and holes on the ground
beneath you.
It will come as no surprise if you want to install your solar panels on your own that this can be a time and cost-
saving process. However, you should always remember that it’s nowhere near an easy task to complete. Installing
your own solar panels means that you’ll have to work with potential safety hazards. You should also ensure that you
have the needed tools, understand how and when to use them, and know why they’re important. Keep in mind that
taking on this DIY project requires much dedication and hard work. However, if challenging home renovation
projects are your thing, then this will definitely be a project of a lifetime.
 Chapter 8

Building IV: RVs, Small Homes, Boats

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.

Power Needs for Small Homes, Boats, and RVs

Just like you would do with an average-sized or large home, you need to figure out the average power needs of your
boat, RV, or small home. This will help you estimate an accurate size for your solar power system, especially while
knowing that off-grid systems need to be much larger than grid-tied systems since they’re supposed to cover and
supply all your electrical needs. An RV or boat system, however, will be a lot smaller than solar power systems
used for large homes. For example, tiny homes need around 4kW per day to function properly. About 80% of the
power that goes toward cooling and heating in the case of a home heats water and is used for cooking using natural
gas and propane. Fridges use around 780 to 800 watts per day, while a heating or cooling mini-split would require
at least 3000 watts a day. Lights use around 100 watts each day, and cellphones and laptops use from 30 watts to
240 watts every day. You can also use an online calculator to estimate the total power requirements for your small
home, boat, or recreational vehicle.

Solar Panels for Small Homes

Smaller homes work better with solar off-grid systems, considering that they’re smaller in space and will require a
lower amount of energy. You may need to put in extra effort in order to secure a constant power supply, such as
using a solar oven for cooking with solar power or keeping a backup generator in case of power shortages. You can
also go for on-demand hot water heaters, LED lights, and mini-split systems to lower your power consumption and
depend entirely on your off-grid system. The additional costs you pay for the appliances that help you reduce your
power consumption will pay for themselves by reducing the size of your batteries and solar panel array.
Typically, the average home uses about 30kW a day, and with your power-saving efforts, your small house won’t
need more than 3kW every day for all of its appliances. With these measurements, you’ll need 15 solar panels to
power your home. This applies if we’re talking about the average size for solar panels, which provide around 300
watts. This size of panel would also generate up to 4500 watts of power using the sun’s energy.
Solar Panels for RVs and Boats
When considering a solar power system for a boat or an RV, the biggest limitation is usually the roof space
available, especially when trying to install an off-grid solar power system in a boat. You have a very small space on
a boat where you can barely fit enough panels for your system, which means less power generated. There are
always other options to maximize the space you have for solar panel installation, such as mounting, but we’ll get to
that in a little more detail later.
Considering that solar panels are not as expensive as the rest of your system’s components, the best way to benefit
from your limited space is to increase the number of panels in your given space. Aim to install as many panels as
you can fit on top of your RV roof or the available mounting space on your boat. The best and cheapest panel
format for your solar panels is a sixty-cell panel format, ~67’x40’, so make sure you properly measure the format
using pieces of cardboard. While other sizes and formats are available for solar panels, mixing shapes and sizes can
be a little tricky, so plan and measure wisely.
Solar Panel Mounting
While it’s common for solar panels to be installed on the roofs of buildings, houses, and vehicles, ground-mounted
solar arrays are more highly recommended. Many smaller houses have no more than 200 square feet of roof space,
so you can only mount your panels on one side, as the majority of roofs are pitched. This only leaves you about 100
square feet for your solar panels. Luckily, there are other effective options that can help you fit all the panels your
system requires. For example, solar trackers, pole mounting, and fixed ground mounting can all help you in this
endeavor. One of the most recommended options is mounting your solar panels on stands that you can place on the
ground around the cabin on your boat, or maybe next to your parked RV. There’s a wide range of benefits to
ground-mounting your solar array. For example, placing the panels near ground level will keep them cool, which
adds to their efficiency. You also can easily clean or clear off any snow covering your panels following a snowfall.
If you ever feel like shading your RV or small house, you can still place the solar panels in an open field.

Battery Choice for Small Homes

Battery selection for smaller homes is quite simple. Many off-grid solar power users are already familiar with the
best types of batteries and the required battery voltage. For example, although Lithium-Ion batteries have a better
reputation than most other types, they do cost a lot extra. You’ll be paying around double the price for the same
battery capacity. Keep in mind that just like larger homes, you need enough storage to last you for a couple of days
in case there isn’t enough sunlight to power your off-grid system.
You’ll find that lead-acid batteries are more efficient in terms of price and number of cycles. This is why they’re
considered better than both Lithium-Ion and AGM, or absorbent glass mat batteries. You can go with Trojan
batteries, as they are more reputable in this industry, and choose a 6-volt battery, or more than one depending on
your power needs. When it comes to battery cycles, this type of battery should give you around 4000 to 5000
cycles, which is enough to last you for 11 to 14 years before you have to replace them.

Batteries for RVs and Boats

Sizing the batteries for an RV or boat can be much more complicated than battery selection for small homes and
cabins, as both are considered unsuitable environments to store batteries. RVs are especially unsuitable, as their
internal temperature can vary remarkably over time. When a battery bank is placed inside of an RV, it becomes
more prone to over-discharge, serious deficit cycling, or unusual full charges.
The best two types of batteries for powering boats and RVs are Lithium-Ion and lead-acid batteries. Lithium-Ion
batteries come with many advantages such as low maintenance, small size, are light weight, have higher efficiency
levels, flexibility of placement within living areas, low chances of damage when left uncharged, faster charge, and
the flexibility to add more batteries to the battery bank over time. While they may be cheaper in the long run, they
cost a lot more than lead-acid as their initial cost. AGM batteries are cheaper, but their life length is reduced notably
when they are left without charging for any period of time. They are also heavier and larger than Lithium-Ion
batteries.
Make sure you use an accurate battery monitor for your system’s batteries. Try to find one that comes with a shunt.
No matter what type of batteries you use, a battery monitor will always be helpful to confirm regular charging and
preventing excessive discharge.

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.

Building Your Power Cabinet

The reason behind building a power cabinet is that it is needed to store all of the electrical gear besides the batteries,
which can weigh up to 600 lbs combined, depending on the size and storage requirements for your system. Each
battery will weigh around 100 to 120 pounds, while other equipment and cabling can take the weight of the whole
unit up to over 1000 lbs. This is usually in the case of small houses and cabins since boats and RVs may require
smaller or lighter power cabinets, or in some cases, no power cabinet is required at all.
You’ll notice that most power cabinets consist of two sections. The bottom one is for the batteries, and the top one
is to prevent the battery gases from reaching the electrical section. This is also why you may see vents on both sides
of traditional power cabinets. Most lead-acid or LA batteries let out some off-gassing, which is produced due to the
process of recharging and discharging the batteries. Therefore, a vent may be necessary if you’re using this type of
battery. Battery gasses are volatile and can easily ignite, so it’s better to be extra careful and include vents in the
design of your power cabinet.

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.

Connecting a Small Home

Before embarking on your mission to go off-grid, some calculations need to be considered in order to decide the
best solution for your needs. This includes calculating the initial and running cost to be able to make the right
decision for your needs. Once the installation of solar panels has been favored, you will need to figure out some
technicalities such as running the air conditioning system, working a solar oven, and picking the right generator as
backup power if needed. Generators are almost always necessary to store power for reuse at nighttime or when
there is a lack of direct sunlight.

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.

Tips on Cleaning PV Panels

Cleaning solar panels isn’t a complicated or expensive process, but your cleaning method will depend on a couple
of things. For instance, if the accumulation is more dust than anything else, you will probably be able to wash it off
with a garden hose from the ground. As it’s the safest way to clean your panels, it’s a good idea to do this more
often, so you won’t have to resort to more complicated cleaning methods. Try gauging the distance to your roof and
measuring it against the water pressure you have. If the roof is low enough to be sprayed from the ground but high
enough, so regular pressure won’t be enough to clean it properly, you will need to put a nozzle on your hose to
create more pressure. You can also use a pressure washer, but if you choose this method, you will avoid blasting
your solar panels directly with the pressure pulses of water, as this can create scratches and even cracks, depending
on the quality of the glass. Even the tiniest damage will be enough to cast shadows on the photovoltaic cells
underneath the protective layer, depleting the energy from the system. Aim the water slightly above the roof, so the
water falls naturally on the panels, cleaning them as a natural rainfall would.
In case there is other debris that makes the accumulation sticky and heavily layered, you will have to find a safe
way to approach the panels more closely and wash them by hand. When doing this, you should keep in mind your
roofing construction, as older, fragile, or steep roofing should be approached from a ladder. Sturdier roofs with a
solid ledge can be stepped on safely, especially if the panels are placed further away from the edge.
You will need a bucket filled with mild soapy water, a squeegee, a soft brush or sponge, a hose, and optionally a
spray as well. First, you will have to rinse the surface with clean water to loosen up some of the debris, and then
you can proceed with the soapy liquid. Dab the surface with the sponge or brush and scrub in lightly. For more
stubborn debris, you can use a spray to deposit the soapy water in a more concentrated way and further loosen the
dirt from the glass. When all the debris is loosened up, rinse the glass and squeegee it dry so you will not leave any
water stains or smudges. You should only do this procedure when there isn’t much sunlight. When the panels are
subjected to the sun, they can get heated quickly. This means you won’t have time to dry them clean before the
water evaporates and leaves a film of soap, which will require additional cleanup. Avoid touching the glass with
your hands or letting the water leak into the wiring and the inverters underneath the panels.
When gauging the height and the construction of your roof, you might determine that it’s impossible to approach
safely. Or, maybe you just lack the means or physical ability to clean your solar panels yourself. In either case, your
best option is to call professionals to help you out. Many companies who install solar panels also perform cleaning
services, so this is something to keep in mind when considering switching to an off-grid system. If the professionals
know how the panels are installed, they can perform any maintenance task on it quickly and efficiently without
causing damage. Plus, they may have this service in their warranty or any other convenient package deal along with
the installation, which will save you a considerable amount of money.

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.

How to Handle Batteries Safely

Solar power batteries are integrated into the electric circuit between the panels and your outputs. They store the
generated power, and when the light fades, they begin providing the accumulated electricity, essentially eliminating
the need for a traditional utility grid. Most solar batteries store the energy inside their liquid chemical components
in large ampere-hour capacities. To supply a whole property, usually there are a number of battery blocks connected
together, so they can supply enough power that satisfies the demand. With lead-acid batteries, this liquid component
is typically a mild acid, making them dangerous to handle. Even though the acid isn’t too concentrated, if more cells
begin to leak acid due to mishandling, this can cause serious chemical burns, both on the skin and when inhaled.
Because of this, these batteries should be handled in ventilated enclosures, and the handler should wear thick gloves
and safety goggles.
The electrodes also pose an electric safety hazard, so you should prevent any conducting materials from shorting the
elements. The consequences of a shortcut can vary from an uncontrolled electrical discharge to a potentially
explosive reaction. Both of these can ruin your entire solar power system, not to mention damage your property or
cause serious injury. Unless you are a certified electrical technician, you should never try to replenish electrolyte
levels by yourself. Instead, you should ask a trained technician to do this, who will use non-conducting distilled
water to refill the fluid and make sure not to overfill the batteries. If the electrodes accumulated dirt, this also needs
to be cleaned up by a trained worker, as this can interfere with the entire system’s conductivity. Batteries should be
cleaned with electrochemical sulfation while also using non-conducting tools. After that, corrosion blocking gel
should be applied to protect the batteries from the elements, and they should be tightly sealed so nothing can
damage the wiring and cause an electrolyte leakage.

Measuring Charge Levels

In order to see whether your solar batteries can properly conduct electricity, you can measure their depth charge of
discharge (DOD) and the state of charge (SOC). The first determines how much a battery has been discharged, and
the latter indicates how much the battery charges. Ideally, DOD should never be more than 50%, as this can reduce
the battery’s lifespan. You can determine both SOC and DOD by measuring the voltage and the gravity with an
amp-hour meter. An even more accurate way to measure the specific gravity of the electrolyte fluid inside the
battery is to use a hydrometer. The most recommended type of device for this purpose is a glass hydrometer. This
has a float and a rubber head, which draws in the electrolyte fluid and measures its specific gravity accurately.
These are less expensive than their digital counterparts, which are also more sensitive, and require a precise
calibration beforehand. Given that battery checkup for off-grid solar energy systems are required at least every 6
months, you will probably aim to use the easiest and least expensive method.
Using glass hydrometers with a float should make the process as straightforward as possible and help avoid
subjective results. You should begin the process by putting on some long-sleeved clothes, rubber-soled shoes, safety
glasses, and rubber gloves. Disconnect the charge controller so you can safely shut off the main battery breaker as
well. Clean the outside of the battery of dust and debris and proceed to remove its cover. Insert the tail of the
hydrometer into the electrolyte liquid without pushing down on the interior plates. Begin drawing the fluid into the
hydrometer, and stop when it reaches the measuring line. Make sure not to overfill, and if any bubbles appear in the
liquid, tap the glass to make them disappear. Hold the hydrometer at a level so you can get an accurate reading, then
record your results. Slowly release the electrolyte fluid back into the battery and try to avoid splashing it anywhere.
To minimize reading errors, repeat the reading 2-3 times for each battery. If necessary, temperature correction
should be applied. However, this can only be done safely by trained professionals.

Equalizing the Battery Cells

Inside every battery pack, there are multiple singular batteries, and each of them has several cells inside of them.
After a certain number of charges, the cells can have different specific gravity and may not keep a full load at all
times. With equalization, you can make sure your batteries are kept fully charged whenever there is sufficient
sunlight to supply them with energy. Equalization is recommended to be done twice a year. Fortunately, many solar
power systems have a convenient way to perform this task because most of them come with a charge controller that
can be programmed for periodical equalization. This way, you won’t have to monitor your solar batteries or keep
records of each time you have checked them. Some systems will even allow you to pick a specific voltage and
determine the overall length of this process. Or, if you are checking your battery bank with a hydrometer, as
described in the previous section, you can determine whether some cells have significantly lower specific gravity. If
they do, you can proceed with the equalization.

Cleaning the Batteries

After heavy rainfall or a pressurized cleaning process, water may seep into the batteries through the cap. It
condensates on the top and then begins to create a patch between the battery posts. Because water is a good
conductor, it can create a whole new electric circuit inside the bank, which can cause many issues. To avoid these,
it’s crucial to remove any condensation from inside the batteries as soon as possible. Dissolve some baking soda in
distilled water and apply this mixture to the battery terminals with a small, non-conductive brush. Before doing this,
make sure all the connections are secure, so you wouldn’t let any baking soda inside the electrolyte tank, as this can
change its acidity levels. After you brush them with baking soda using a clean tool, rinse the terminals with clean
water. Finally, seal the metal elements with high-temperature grease.

Measuring Fluid Levels

FLA (flooded lead acid) batteries have their electrolytes covered in a mixture of distilled water and sulfuric acid.
Each time a bank charges and discharges, the levels of this fluid keep depleting. This affects the functionality of the
batteries, so you should check your electrolyte levels every 3-6 months, depending on the usage. You can do this by
opening the battery cap and seeing how far the levels are from the fill guide. If there is too much liquid evaporated,
it will need to be replaced with distilled water. It’s recommended to do this step only if you have experience
handling acid-filled batteries. If you have either sealed FLA, gel, or AGM batteries, this won’t be necessary.
The liquid in newer units will evaporate slower, but if you want to keep track of it, you can do it by looking at the
levels once a week. This will help you learn how much fluid the tank loses and how often you will need to replace it
in the future. Older models may lose electrolyte fluid at a much higher rate, especially if they have been overloaded
with charges a couple of times during their lifetime. You slow the evaporation by replacing the battery caps with
special hydrocaps designed to prevent water from escaping.

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.

Additional Solar power system Maintenance Tips

Solar power technology is definitely changing rapidly, which, for one, makes it more affordable. It also means that
newer, more efficient systems are developed every day. Staying flexible with your system is a good idea, as this can
improve your system even after you have installed it. Keep up with the innovation, so when you need to replace any
part of your system off-grid, you can do it using the ultimate technology. This will help you save even more time,
money, and energy in the future. A great way to do this is by connecting with other users who have similar off-grid
systems and are happy to exchange any new information or maintenance tips with you. As a newcomer to this
world, this can help you a lot with handling your solar power system. Plus, they can provide you with further
guidance if you are interested in other eco-friendly activities as well.
Because the climate you live in adds an unpredictable element to the mix, keeping a backup generator as part of
your setup is highly recommended by most users. That way, you’ll always have a reliable power source, even if a
natural disaster strikes and destroys your solar power system or renders it inoperable. Supplementing solar power
with other renewable energy sources is also often practiced in industrial settings. This is the perfect solution in an
area with a lower solar radiation capacity and higher wind speeds, and it is much harder to maintain than regular
off-grid solar power systems.
 Chapter 10

Legalities, Laws, Etc

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.

Model Codes and Where to Find Them

While it is of great help that local authorities offer local governments a relatively high level of flexibility and
leverage of local professionalism, the differences across different jurisdictions can cause unnecessary
complications, excessive permitting, and additional compliance expenses for the solar installers. Not only that, but
the inspections carried out by professionals may also be off due to these inconsistencies. You will find that this is a
recurrent issue among any solar installer who operates in more than one jurisdiction. It is also problematic for state-
level administrators who are supposed to oversee implementation programs across an entire state.
To help offer a viable solution for this issue, policymakers, and state-level administrators tasked with monitoring
solar programs make sure they offer guidance and resources that help support local jurisdictions to promote a level
of consistency when it comes to enforcing and adopting codes related to photovoltaic installation.
Numerous model codes have been curated to foster the least standards and correspondence across Authorities
Having Jurisdiction. The International Code Council, which is an association that advocates safety and fire
prevention, is the most significant of all. It is keen on providing updates for all of its models every 3 years. The
International Building Code, International Fire Code, and International Residential Code are exemplary model
codes developed by the International Code Council. These codes have been adopted on a great level across the
United States, with modifications local and state-wise. ‘Clean Energy in City Codes: A Baseline Analysis of
Municipal Codification across the United States’ which is a report that pertains to the National Renewable Energy
Laboratory, suggests that the municipal codes of 45% of the municipalities in a sample of 1,266 referenced solar.
Moreover, this report found that 30% of the municipal codes’ solar references in Florida, Minnesota, California, and
Maryland, which were the four selected states, pertain to standards related to design and development. The majority
of the codes stated that:
Solar equipment must be screened from public view.
It must abide by the Uniform Solar Energy Code and other safety and fire codes.
It must fall under a multitude of design requirements, such as the general landscape, aesthetic, and
building orientation of the area.
It must tackle setback demands.

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.

Off-the-Grid Solar Panels Legalities

You may be surprised to learn that on-the-grid solar-powered homeowners are more likely to get into legal trouble
than those who stay off it. Being off-the-grid allows you to generate your own electricity while still keeping
yourself safe from unnecessary issues with the government. Those connected to the grid may have to deal with
state-level regulations, as well as minimum usage charges. As someone who will be using off-the-grid solar panels,
you need to know that DC systems with low voltage have a lot less harsh restrictions, even though the National
Electric Code is widely applicable to electrical installations. This includes RV’s and smaller homes too. This means
that for anyone who is interested in a temporary solar fix, it’s much easier to implement modular off-grid power
systems. These are practically nonexistent when it comes to complex regulations. Although it is not really
recommended, the authorities will not fault you if you choose to run USB cables instead of using extension cords.
As we have previously discussed, solar power and installation companies, as well as the services and prices that
they offer for on-the-grid solar panels, are also highly affected. In an effort to fight back against the rigid
regulations, they may end up overcharging those who are grid-connected; this means that they will be charged a
high cost of minimum use charges. When that’s the case, people end up paying when they use high power, even
though they are their own power sources. This is incredibly unfair to anyone who generates the majority, if not all,
the power that they need. Up to this very moment, off-the-grid solar power users are not legally required to pay for
anything. Though, you should still beware of any potential necessary hook-ups if your area includes publicly owned
utilities.
Staying within the legal borders of off-the-grid installations requires you to keep on the DC system’s low voltage
side as much as you can. Make sure to use wiring that’s ‘temporary’. Otherwise, you may be insinuating a
permanent installation. Being off-the-grid means that you should stay off it for good; avoid connecting your
property to grid power. Going off-the-grid is not an easy step to take. Those who are on the grid can feed off the
local utility’s energy when they run out of self-produced power. You, on the other hand, can’t do the same. This is
why you need to ensure that you are self-sufficient and that you’ve researched everything that may block your
ability to obtain energy from the sun. To ensure that you’re making the most of your solar power system, there are
some laws that you need to consider before the installation process.

The National Electric Code

One of the most important codes that you need to check out is the National Electric Code. The regulations regarding
off-the-grid solar power systems in the NEC can be publicly accessed via the Internet. In this code, you will find
thorough and notable specifications for your off-the-grid photovoltaic system. Regardless of the variations in state
codes, all 50 states continuously enforce the codes available from this resource in one way or another. If you are
thinking about resorting to a professional solar installer, you need to make sure that they follow the NEC. If you are
getting it done yourself, you may need to give the code a good read or ask an expert to evaluate the installation
process to ensure that you are on the safe side of the law.

Municipal Nuisance Laws

Each city is eligible to pass authoritative orders enforcing limitations on what home or property owners can do with
or on their lands. Although there may not be a city code that explicitly bans the installation of solar panels,
restrictive issues may come disguised as an area beautification decree. As frustrating as it may sound, plenty of
cities have ambiguously worded laws that prohibit anything that looks odd or unappealing to be installed on the roof
of your home. While solar panels don’t essentially look distasteful, beauty is subjective; the chances are that these
laws may be used to stand in your way of generating your own power if your city has those limitations.

Homeowner Associations and Covenants

The number of rural land plots that are being sold with bylaws or covenants is on the rise. Bylaws and covenants are
specially designed to ensure that the land that you purchase is protected from potential depreciation. A depreciation
in the value of the land may result from several activities, including owning livestock or even junk equipment. It’s
good to note that the wording of the agreements can be rather confusing due to the unlimited possibilities of what
they may state. The regulations are simply unpredictable. Checking them out will help you pinpoint any restrictions,
such as limitations on the size of your solar power system or the number of solar panels that you can install.
RVs and Off-the-Grid
Although there’s an entire chapter dedicated to RVs and small homes, touching upon the legalities associated with
solar panel installations on recreational vehicles is a must. There are most likely no laws that prohibit RV owners
from installing solar panels on their vehicles. However, don’t forget that laws and regulations on road safety still
heavily apply. You may have a lot of questions about just how safe it is to roam the streets with solar panels on your
RVs roofing. To keep yourself and others safe, you need to ensure that the panels are very well secured. They
should not wiggle or fall off when you speed up a little and become a road hazard. One other thing to consider is the
possibility of your solar panels reflecting sunlight into the eyes of other drivers, possibly harming them or
distracting them momentarily.

Do You Have To Have Power?

One question that many people ask as soon as they consider installing solar panels and going entirely off-the-grid is
whether or not they are required to constantly have power in their homes. Although this may seem like a personal
issue, many states do, in fact, require you to have power in your home. The answer to this question simply varies
depending on the area or state in which you live. There are several areas in which living with zero or limited access
to power is clearly legal (think about the Amish). Some states don’t explicitly address this issue in their codes,
especially for people who live in homes that they own. You must keep in mind, though, that almost every city has
rigid regulations when it comes to providing renters with their rights. This means that landowners should always
provide basic utilities, which typically include power. If you own and live in your home, there aren’t usually any
outright specifications, assuming that everyone would want to have access to power where they live. Instead, you
will come across laws that indicate switch and outlet placements, safe methods of running wiring, and more. You
should be good to go as long as you don’t complain about the lack of power if you run out.

Permits and Off-the-Grid Solar Panels

Whether or not you need a permit to install an off-the-grid solar power system depends on where you live. Every
state, county, and city, as you may recall, have different approaches to almost everything that we do, including
installing solar panels. Each one of them has different regulations regarding off-the-grid solar panel installations
and whether you would need a permit to get one on your roof. However, in most areas, you will not need to obtain a
permit, especially if you are using a DIY photovoltaic kit. It is still recommended, though, that you reach out to
your local Authority who have jurisdiction to find out more about this issue. Keep in mind that in any part of the
world, rural areas are usually not as regulated as urban ones. This means that if you are in an urban part of the city,
you are more likely to need a permit to start building. If you find yourself in need of one, you can apply for a permit
through solar permit services or get it done yourself. You can find free solar quote tools online to help you
determine an estimate of how much obtaining a permit will cost you.

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).
 References

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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

What Is Solar Power?

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.

Why You Should Get Solar Power for Your Homestead

When it comes to solar power, you need to understand the pros and cons that go with investing in a grid for your
home. It may be a pricey initial investment, but in the long run, you'll end up saving a lot of money that you could
otherwise use living off the grid. However, there are many other benefits to investing in solar power.
Save Money
It all comes down to money for some people. Some states in the US, for example, have very expensive utility bills.
You could pay over 20 cents per kilowatt-hour, which amounts to a lot of money at the end of the month, especially
if the weather is extreme and you have to turn on air conditioners or heaters for most of the day. With solar power,
you don't pay utility bills. You just need to install a solar array to generate enough electricity to cover your needs,
and if you do the math, chances are, you'll be saving a few dollars a day, which is a lot of money in the long run.
Energy costs amount to thousands of dollars a year for the average American household. Why spend this much
money when you have a free source, the sun, available for several hours every day? Some people get an estimate for
a solar array and believe that installing one is a hefty investment, and it can be, but if you keep it for a few years,
you'll find that you saved more money than your initial investment. Let's talk in numbers. Say your initial solar
array was installed for about $12,000. The energy bills run the average home a little over $3,000 a year. Doing
simple math, you'll find that in less than four years, you'll start saving money, and you'll have more than made up
for the initial investment.
Moreover, the sun is free, and it cannot be monopolized. This is not the case with electricity grids. Energy costs go
up depending on several factors that you simply cannot control. This can never happen with solar power, so you
don't have to worry about the state of the economy affecting your utility expenses.
Diverse
One of the best things about solar power is how diverse it is. You're not obligated to install a certain size of a solar
array. Some people choose to supplement their on-grid electricity with solar power in an attempt to reduce the costs.
If you want to completely live off the grid and rely only on solar power for electricity, you can do that too. The size
of your solar power array depends entirely on your preference. If you want more electricity, you can get a bigger
array. If your home is small and needs minimal power, you can more than manage with solar, and you'll save a
fortune on utility bills.
Solar panels installed on your roof serve more than just provide you with electricity. They can prolong the life of
your roof by protecting it from extreme weather conditions like rain, snow, and debris. They even serve to improve
your house's insulation as the panels block some of the direct sunlight that would otherwise hit the roof and heat
your home. This means you won't need to use fans or air conditioners as much.
Sustainable and Clean Source of Energy
Another reason why a lot of people are making the shift toward solar arrays is that they are significantly better for
the environment. Solar power is a clean and green source of energy that greatly reduces your carbon footprint. Solar
energy doesn't require any other resources to operate, except when it needs a clean source of water. Other than that,
solar power has no negative side effects on the environment and does not produce greenhouse gases. By investing
in solar power, you're doing your part in creating a sustainable future for all of us.
The more people use solar power, the less we rely on fossil fuels that do extensive and irreparable damage to the
environment. On-grid electricity sources always rely on fossil fuels like gas, oil, or coal. Those sources are burned
to generate electricity, producing harmful gases that exacerbate climate change and pollute the air we breathe.
That's not even the only problem with fossil fuels. Sources like oil, coal, and gas are finite, meaning we are bound
to run out of them sooner than later, which is why we need a sustainable source of power for future generations.
Sustainable, clean sources like solar power benefit the environment, humans, and animals. Fossil fuels pollute the
air and water we consume every day. With cleaner sources, the overall health of the population improves, and
mortality rates decrease. Healthcare costs also decrease since people won't face as many health problems. Fossil
fuels also strain the world's natural resources like water, as power plants require huge amounts of water for cooling,
especially during heat waves and droughts. A renewable source like solar energy, on the other hand, requires
minimal amounts of water, if any, and can operate normally during heat waves without the need for additional
resources.
Independence
For someone living off the grid, you want complete independence without having to rely on local utility companies
for power. Solar energy can give you that. You don't have to subject yourself to fluctuating energy costs, outages,
and poorly-maintained power grids. You select every component yourself, and you create your solar array from
scratch. You can invest in getting the best components for the job. You won't suffer outages due to old power lines
and poorly-maintained grids, which happens more often than not with on-grid electricity.
You'll get cheap electricity that won't become more expensive over time. Solar power is the only logical source of
electricity for someone truly living off the grid. You will get the kind of independence every homeowner looks for,
and you won't ever have to rely on someone else to get power to your home. You also don't have to call and wait for
your local utility company if there's a problem with your power. With solar power, most problems have a DIY
solution, so you're once again in control of the problem, and you can find a fast without having to wait for help from
anyone.
Tax Credits and Other Incentives
More and more governments around the world are trying to push people toward switching to solar energy. They're
trying to encourage people to make the transition. In the US, you can expect to get significant tax benefits when you
install solar arrays. In some cases, the federal tax credit can reach up to 30% of your total system cost. This amounts
to thousands of dollars that you can save on your solar power system when you file your tax reports. Moreover, you
can also get state and local rebates that vary depending on your location and Solar Renewable Energy Credits
(SRECs). SRECs are year-round, and you can sell them to power companies when you rack up enough units. When
you add all of these benefits up, you can save up to half of your installation costs.
The incentives don't stop there. Some states have dedicated laws and legislation to help low-income homeowners
install solar arrays at lower costs, in addition to several other programs meant to raise awareness about the benefits
of switching to solar power. You can also find many installers that offer installation services for solar panels at no
cost in return for charging you for electricity at low rates, which is a good option for people who aren't ready to
make the initial investment. This way, the installers are pretty much leasing your roof, and in return, you get a
discount on electricity.
Increase Property Value
A lot of people don't know this, but adding a solar power grid to your home increases the property's value. Some
estimates put the average increase in the house's value in US markets at 4.1%, which is quite a few thousand
dollars. This is because many more people are becoming conscious of their carbon footprint and are willing to make
the shift toward solar energy, but that might not always be easy due to several factors. This is why houses with pre-
installed solar arrays sell for higher costs. They also sell 20% faster than houses without. So, solar panels end up
being a great investment as well.
Solar energy is viewed positively by many because it also saves money in the long run. Someone buying an off-the-
grid home with solar panels won't have to pay utility bills, nor would they have to pay for installation, so they'll
have to pay a bit more for that property. If that house happens to be yours, you stand to make a significant return on
your investment in addition to finalizing the sale much faster. The same applies even if you're going to rent your
home.
More Affordable than Ever
It may still seem like a hefty amount of money to pay upfront, but believe it or not, the cost for installing a solar
power system has significantly reduced over the past few years due to a variety of reasons. With new technologies
emerging all the time, components have become cheaper and more accessible. The rising popularity of solar power
has created a highly competitive market, which means new companies are investing in this field. The more
companies there are, the more competitive the pricing.
Estimates put the drop in solar power costs at over 70% in just these past 10 years. One of the more expensive parts
of a solar array system is the batteries, and they too have significantly become cheaper over the years. Overall, now
is the best time to invest in solar power, and you'll get a much better deal than you would have got a few years ago.
Enhanced Performance and Security
Power plants deliver electricity to the consumer via intricate networks that often run for miles. Across long
distances like these, power loss often occurs across long transmission lines, resulting in unstable connections on the
consumer's end and sometimes even prolonged blackouts. With solar panels, you don't get that problem because of
the very short distance the electricity has to travel. The efficiency of the electricity is thus increased since your
energy is basically domestic and under your control. There's less chance of blackouts because solar arrays are
stable, and they get their energy directly from the sun.
Human errors are extremely more likely to happen with power plants and transmission lines. With solar arrays, you
don't need to interfere or do anything once the setup is complete. The same goes for natural disasters like rain,
snow, lightning, wind, or any others that can affect long transmission lines and are less likely to damage your solar
array. All these factors contribute to solar panels providing much-improved grid security compared to power plant
transmission lines.
Making Money from Solar Power
We're going to talk about calculating your loads later, but in many cases, those estimates might be a bit off, and
your actual consumption would actually be less. Maybe you won't turn on all the appliances you thought you would.
In any case, if your energy production exceeds your needs, you can actually make money off selling the excess
power. Your local electricity provider will most likely be interested in buying any excess you have.
You'll find that utility providers buy excess power at reduced rates, averaging around 50% of its value, but that's
certainly better than just wasting that excess power. Around and make sure that your utility provider is willing to
buy back excess power and how much they'll pay for it.
Easy DIY
For someone living off the grid, one of the biggest perks of getting solar power is that you can do it yourself. For a
small home, you don't need a professional construction crew with a lot of experience. With a little research and
preparation, you can create the mounts and install your solar panels yourself. Grab the right tools and components,
and you'll find yourself with a fully operational power grid. This isn't a huge factory with massive solar arrays. It's
an off-the-grid home with solar panels on the roof and some batteries and wires underneath. You can definitely do
this yourself.
One more feature that makes solar arrays great for DIY enthusiasts is the fact that they don't require much
maintenance. They last for a very long time with minimal maintenance over the years. Solar panels can generate
electricity for over 20 years without the need for replacement. And, although they are the first thing to need
replacing, even the batteries will last for about 7 years before you have to change them. When you do, it's a fairly
straightforward process. Every part of your solar power setup comes with instructions, so you won't ever be at a loss
or confused about how to move forward.
Creating More Jobs
Solar power is one of the most expanding fields in the world, and in the process, a lot of jobs are being created. As
the demand for solar power increases, solar energy companies are emerging, and jobs are created for skilled
workers. This helps the economy and reflects positively on the solar power market in general. One of the biggest
reasons solar energy installation costs have reduced over the years was that more companies were emerging to
fulfill the ever-growing demand for solar power. In the US, for example, there are tens of thousands of jobs in the
solar power market.
Solar power is indispensable for someone who wants to live off the grid, especially if you live in a sunny region
where you can leverage sunlight to generate electricity. Despite its many advantages, there are also a few
disadvantages to investing in solar energy. The first of those is the high initial cost for installing the solar arrays.
Between the cost of the panels and installation costs, if you're getting someone to do it for you, the whole thing can
cost anything between $15,000 and $20,000. This is too high an initial investment for some people, especially for
someone living off the grid who will most likely also have to invest in setting up other utilities around the house.
Another challenge you may face with solar power is its dependency on the weather. If the location of your home
doesn't get much sunlight around the year, solar power might not be the best choice. Your system will naturally
suffer on cloudy days. Solar arrays are also very difficult to move around after they're installed. So, if you move the
location of your homestead, it's more than likely that you will not be able to take your solar power setup with you. It
is not impossible, but if you do it, you risk damaging the solar panels and the roof of your new home since you'll
have to dismantle everything.
The challenges or limitations of solar power definitely pale in comparison to the advantages. If the location of your
off-the-grid home has enough sunlight, you shouldn't think twice about investing in solar power. The return on your
investment will be significant, and you will get your money's worth in clean, renewable energy that has zero chance
of sudden outages and requires minimal maintenance over the years.
 Chapter 2

The Difference between

Off-Grid and On-Grid Solar Energy

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.

Which System Should You Get?

Now that you understand your options when it comes to off-the-grid solar power, you can start figuring out which
one would work best for you. For the purposes of this book, we will focus on off-grid power because this is what
most people prefer as it is the option with the most independence and ensures that you won't have to rely on anyone
for your energy needs. It also works best for those living in remote locations without access to a local power grid.
However, if the three options are available, you'll need to do some math and figure out which one suits you best.
There are a few factors you need to consider before settling on an off-grid system for your home. Cost is obviously
the biggest deciding factor. After calculating your loads, you need to see which of those systems is the cheapest in
the long run. Don't look at just the initial investment because you can break even in a few years no matter how high
the initial cost is. Another crucial point to consider is the permits. You need to check your state, county, and/or
municipal laws to understand the regulations regarding solar power.
In some places like California, you can't take a DIY approach to install solar panels, and it has to be done by a
licensed professional. Even if you're living off the grid with no connection to the main grid, you need to have a
licensed professional install the solar panels in California, or else you will be subject to fines. In other US states, the
laws may even be harsher. You can expect to find states with strict regulations on the kind of materials you can use.
Others won't even allow you to install a solar array system unless your home is of a particular size. This is why you
have to check the local county office or at least the website so you can be certain you're not breaking any laws. An
easier way around this would be to hire a licensed solar panel professional who will know the kind of permits you
need as well as any other details to keep in mind.
If you're going with on-grid or hybrid solar power systems, you should also be mindful of the required permits and
paperwork because those will require obtaining authorization and approvals. You can't exactly hire an electrician
and ask them to connect you to the power grid. So, make sure you're aware of the necessary approvals early on so
you don't have to halt the construction of your off-the-grid homestead due to red tape.
 Chapter 3

Types of Off-Grid Solar Power Systems

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.

Direct Current (DC) Solar Power Systems

Unlike alternating current that flows rapidly back and forth, direct current means that the electrical charge or current
moves in one direction. Another way to put it is that DC looks like a flat line on a graph while AC is more of a
sinusoidal wave. The general rule is electronic circuits operate on DC while electrical appliances operate on AC.
The circuits in your home or office are almost always AC. Solar power always produces a direct current which is
the type of current that can be stored in batteries. If you want to convert DC to AC, you'll need an inverter, but we'll
get into the specifics of inverters later on. Solar power is always DC because the sunlight stimulates the flow of
electrons in the panels, creating a current, and those electrons flow in the same direction to form DC.
Before inverters were common, simple DC-coupled solar power systems were the norm. They were used mainly for
off-grid homes and some remote locations that needed a power supply. However, with the advent of AC coupled
battery systems, the reliance on DC-coupled systems reduced greatly. But they are still around, and many believe
that charging batteries with solar charge controllers is the best way to go. The evolution of batteries also affected
DC systems as well, creating higher voltages batteries that can store much more power.
To dive deeper into DC-coupled systems, you need to understand how they run. The most commonly used type of
DC system uses solar charge controllers (solar regulators), devices used tocharge a battery directly from direct
sunlight. This system also uses a battery inverter to provide the AC that household appliances need to run. This
system was commonly used with RVs, boats, and caravans since it's very low cost and doesn't require much to
operate. These were considered microsystems that only needed pulse width modulation (PWM) and solar
controllers to be connected to a couple of solar panels that would charge a 12-volt battery. These PWM controllers
are cheap and can cost about $25 on average for a 10-ampere device.
For bigger systems, maximum power point tracker (MPPT) solar charge controllers are used, and they're 30% more
efficient at the most, and they can cover up to 100 A. These controllers are much more powerful and operate at
significantly higher string voltages of up to 150 V of DC. Even higher voltage MPPT solar charge controllers can
go as high as 300 V, and they're made by specific manufacturers. Some companies like Schneider Electric make
higher units of up to 600 V units, but those are way too expensive, and they don't have multiple inputs like the
average solar inverter.

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.

Hybrid Solar Systems

Off-grid solar power can be achieved by using a hybrid system. A hybrid is when two or more generating sources
are used to produce power. You could have a combination of solar, wind, and hydro turbines all producing off-grid
electricity at the same time with the right equipment.
Some people use three separate generating systems to produce power for their off-grid homes. First is wind power,
second is water power, and third is solar photovoltaic (PV). The wind system, the hydro turbine system, and the PV
panels all produce direct current (DC) electricity, which needs to be converted into alternating current (AC) before
your home appliances can be powered by it. AC electricity produced by an off-grid hybrid system is converted to
DC before it's stored in batteries, which are later used to power household appliances.
A wind turbine can be used on its own without a hydro turbine or PV panels if the site is windy enough. Site
assessment should be done to determine what type of system to install. For an off-grid cabin, a small wind turbine
and some solar panels would be enough to provide all the power needed for lights and appliances.
A hybrid system can also combine more than one type of renewable energy such as solar and wind and is
sometimes referred to as a "hybrid PV system" or a "hybrid wind-solar PV system." In a hybrid system, the two
types of renewable energy sources are connected in parallel. In other words, both sources work together as if they
were one system.
For example, you could have solar panels that collect sunlight during the day and wind turbines that produce power
at night or on cloudy days. A hybrid system is often more cost-effective than wind or a solar-only system because
you can produce power with both systems when one is not available.
In a hybrid system, equipment that converts DC electricity into AC electricity is placed between the two sources of
renewable energy to improve efficiency. In some cases, a single turbine is used to collect power from both the wind
and the sun. This technique is called "wind-solar PV hybrid integration."
Hybrid systems are often used for remote homes or other structures that utility power lines can't reach. They work
well in these situations because the two sources of renewable energy can provide consistent power under various
conditions. Some advantages to using a hybrid system include:
Ability to provide a more consistent amount of power for the home or structure.
Improved efficiency compared to using separate systems, such as a wind turbine and solar panels.
Lower initial cost because you don't have to buy two separate systems. Some hybrid systems can
even be cheaper than buying just one renewable energy system.
Ability to use renewable energy when one source isn't available. For example, the wind might not
be blowing, or the sun may not be out, but power can still be produced with both sources working
together.

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.

Direct Grid-Tie Systems

A direct grid-tied system is where the solar panels are connected to the power lines connected to the main electrical
grid. With a direct connection, homes with this type of off-grid solar power can sell electricity back to their local
utility company. If your state has a net-metering law, you can sell the excess electricity you produce to your utility
company. Excess power is any amount over and above what's being consumed in the home at the time. When your
solar panels are not producing enough electricity to meet demand, your utility company will supply it from their
grid.

Battery Backup Systems

A battery backup system is used when a home needs electricity even after the grid goes down. This type of off-grid
solar power system includes batteries that store energy from the sun for use at night or during a power outage.
Battery backup systems are also sometimes referred to as "solar hybrid" or "solar rechargeable." They're called
hybrid because they're a combination of multiple renewable energy sources.
Solar batteries used for this type of off-grid solar power system are designed to charge and recharge many times,
which makes them more expensive than regular home battery storage systems. To make it cost-effective, some
utilities will give you credit for the excess electricity your battery produces and use it to power other homes. If you
can make your system work as a direct grid-tied system and receive credit for the excess energy you sell back, this
off-grid solar power system would likely be less expensive.
PV System with Battery Backup
A PV system with battery backup is also sometimes referred to as "solar plus storage" or "photovoltaic plus energy
storage." Like a battery backup system, it relies on renewable energy to power homes after the grid goes down. By
combining PV panels with an off-grid battery storage system, the home can continue to have electricity even when
the sun isn't shining.
A stand-alone, battery backup solar system is also sometimes referred to as an "off-grid PV system with battery
backup." It's called "stand-alone" because it doesn't rely on power lines or utility companies.
Off-grid PV systems with battery backup are becoming more common. This is especially true in places where it's
difficult or expensive to connect homes to the grid, such as extremely remote locations or those with unpredictable
weather conditions. This type of off-grid solar power system is also a good option for people who live in areas that
have frequent natural disasters or outages.
There are different types of off-grid solar power systems. People who live in remote areas, have a very expensive
electricity bill, or just want to be self-reliant can benefit from an off-grid solar power system. There are many ways
to power your home without relying on a main electrical grid. Depending on the type of off-grid solar power system
you choose, you can use renewable energy from the sun or wind to save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
 Chapter 4

Building Your Solar Power System

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.

Things to Know before Installing Your Solar Power System

There are a few things to know before installing your solar power system:
Your electric load requirement.
The average cost of each component for an off-the-grid solar power system.
System components are typically included in your shopping list.
What you need on hand before you start.
Basic guidelines when choosing between monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar panels.
The safety precautions you need to take when working with photovoltaic systems and batteries.

Calculating Your Electric Load

Before you go about purchasing components for your solar installation, you should have a good idea of your
electric load.
While it's not possible to know the exact number, some rules of thumb will help you decide which components to
purchase. The first thing is to make a list of the appliances or equipment you need to be powered by electricity and
how much power each one needs.
Next, you need to measure the power that each appliance needs when it's in use.
For many people, this will be a simple matter of plugging your equipment into a Watt meter and measuring how
much electricity they draw while turned on. However, if you plan on using more than one appliance at a time, you
might need to turn each one on for a minute at a time and measure how much power is being used.
You can then add up a total load of all appliances. However, keep in mind that your solar system will be less
efficient if it's powering multiple appliances at once.
Calculate your average daily energy use by multiplying watts used per device times the number of
hours you will run that device.
If you are using more than one device at a time, be sure to add up the total watts used.
You can also calculate your average daily energy use by adding together watt-hours consumed per
day for each appliance plus any other electrical devices that need power in your home.

Solar System Components for Off-Grid Solar Setup

A solar setup needs a number of components. The most important one is the solar panel itself, which produces
electricity from sunlight and stores it in batteries. Other parts include a charge controller for preventing
overcharging, an inverter to convert DC power into AC current used by your home appliances and other electronics,
adapters, wiring necessary to connect all the components, and more.
Solar Panels
The solar panel is the core of your complete off-grid system. It can be used to power an entire house or just a few
appliances, depending on how much electricity it produces and what you need at any given time.
There are two types of solar panels available: monocrystalline and polycrystalline models. The latter has lower
efficiency and therefore produce less electricity (producing an average of 15% less power than monocrystalline
panels), but they are cheaper. This does not make a big difference for home use as the main advantage of solar is
that you can rely on it even if your grid connection fails or there's too much cloud cover for an efficient generation.
Monocrystalline panels cost more to set up initially, but they last longer and will save you money in the long run by
producing more energy over the course of your lifetime. They also tend to be lighter, so they may be better suited
for portable applications such as camping or boating situations.
Size of Solar Panels
The solar panel size depends on your power requirements. The general rule of thumb is that each square foot (one
square meter) of a monocrystalline or polycrystalline module can generate roughly one watt under peak sunlight
conditions. However, the actual output varies depending on temperature cloud or snow cover and other factors.
Installing the Solar Panels
The solar panels should be installed in a place where they'll get the most direct sunlight, but they should also be
sheltered from high wind and other adverse weather conditions. You can buy stands for your panels or just mount
them on top of any secure structure that is not directly facing south (unless you live on the equator).

Solar Panel Installation Costs

The cost of a solar panel depends on its size, brand, and efficiency.
The maximum cost estimate is $23,236 for a 10 kW solar panel installation in the United States. Taking into
account the federal solar tax credit ($23,800 to $31,400 per year, or $2.38 to $3.14/W), prices range from $17,612
to $23,236.

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Solar Panel

Choose the right-sized solar panel based on your power requirements and available space.
Look at warranties, guarantees, and long-term return on investment (ROI).
Check current prices of the different brands to make sure you're getting a good deal. The cheapest panels may not
be the best option in terms of performance or reliability. Sometimes paying upfront saves you money in the long run
by increasing efficiency and preventing costly repairs. It's worth doing some research before making any purchase
decisions as well because certain manufacturers offer special discounts for first-time buyers that could help cut
costs down significantly.
Solar Charge Controllers
A solar charge controller ensures that your batteries don't get overcharged by the solar panel. Overcharging can
damage batteries beyond repair. In addition, a good quality charge controller prolongs batteries' lifespan thanks to
its intelligent design. Some models allow you to define maximum charging voltage, while others restrict
discharging current in order to protect both the batteries themselves as well as any other electrical equipment
connected between the battery bank and inverter (like an electric heater).
What does the Solar Charge Controller Specs Mean?
A solar charge controller regulates voltage to prevent overcharging your batteries.
It also protects them against deep discharge cycles by disconnecting the load when the battery voltage reaches a
certain level. Batteries are expensive, so you don't want to damage them with an incorrectly set up charge
controller.
Specs vary among models, but most include some or all of the following:
Maximum charging current (measured in amps)
Number of stages (which affects how precisely it can control output based on input voltage)
Automatic temperature compensation (to increase efficiency). Some controllers have additional
features such as LCD displays that let you monitor their status at any time, alarm systems with
adjustable thresholds, and many other different features.

Types of Solar Charge Controllers

There are two main types of solar charge controllers: PWM and MPPT.
PWM (pulse width modulation) is a cheaper but less efficient type that reduces the input voltage using resistors, so
it does not negatively affect battery life or performance in most cases.
MPPT (maximum power point tracking) instead uses DC-DC converters to produce a consistently high output at
higher efficiency than with PWM models. That means higher returns for your investment because you can extract
more energy from the sunlight without increasing size and cost too much.
Both PWM and MPPT have their pros and cons, so it is advisable to look into them both before choosing a solar
charge controller. MPPT controls are more popular among solar power users.

Solar Charge Controller Brands and Prices

Pricing varies from $100-$500 for standard units, while high-end models sell for around $800 -$1000. One
important thing to note is that prices do not reflect quality, so you should always choose a good brand, even if it
means paying slightly more than average upfront in order to get better performance down the line.
How to Select a Solar Controller
Factors that affect the price and quality of a solar charge controller include voltage, current capacity, technology,
cost, environmental conditions, number of solar panels you have, size, and number of batteries in your system.
Voltage
The input voltage range is usually between 12-48V DC. Your system's battery and charge controller must be
compatible. Solar charge controllers, such as low-cost PWM controllers, can only operate on one voltage, while
more expensive MPPT units can work with voltages that aren't compatible.
Current Capacity
Your charge controller must be large enough to handle the amount of energy your solar panel array generates. Add
25% to the total amperage your system generates.
Technology
Since they're more efficient, you should always choose the most advanced kind of solar controller technology (such
as MPPT). However, keep in mind that high-end models cost significantly more.
Cost
Prices vary from $100-$500 for standard controllers, while top brands sell for around $800-1000. One important
thing to keep in mind is that price does not reflect quality, so make sure to pick a good brand even if it means
paying slightly higher upfront to get better performance/reliability later down the line.
Environmental Conditions
If your location has extreme temperatures, it will affect which solar charge controller best suits your needs because
different kinds perform better under certain conditions.
Number of Solar Panels
When you have many solar panels producing energy at once, it's important to choose a good quality controller that
can manage the load properly.

Size and Number of Batteries in Your System

Your controller must be compatible with your battery type and size.
How to Find a Solar Charge Controller for Sale
You can find solar charge controllers on Amazon or eBay and at stores that specialize in selling products related to
renewable energy generation systems (like Home Depot). You can also buy them through online vendors that sell
everything from batteries and inverters to complete off-grid power system kits.
The Battery Bank
The battery bank is the heart of your solar power system because it stores all of the electricity that you generate. It
also ultimately determines how much energy your grid can produce and store at any given point in time.
The battery bank also determines how long your solar power grid can operate without any additional input from the
sun. In essence, it is a system that stores electricity and then releases it when needed.
The amount of energy you need to store will depend on the size of your load (how much electricity you use) and
other factors like climate conditions, time of year, and how sunny it is.

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.

Battery Management System

The Battery Management System monitors all aspects of the batteries, such as voltage, current, temperature, and
state of charge, while protecting them from being overcharged or discharged too much. The BMS also
communicates with the other components in your system to ensure that everything is working properly and that
there are no problems that could damage any of them without warning.
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePOs): This type of battery has a very long life cycle, high discharge rates, low self-
discharge rate, extremely high power density, and a wide range of operating temperatures making it ideal for solar
systems because you won't need large banks of batteries as you would with lead-acid batteries to get enough energy
storage capacity while producing lots of electricity.
The downside to lithium-ion batteries is cost. They're more expensive than lead-acid or gel batteries, but they
require much less space which means that they're very efficient when it comes to the amount of storage capacity
needed.

Selecting the Battery Size

The size of your battery bank will depend on how many days you want to be able to go without being connected to
the grid. The more energy you have stored in your batteries, the longer you can go before needing a charge from
another source like a generator or other power systems, which would require gas and maintenance costs while
producing greenhouse gases.
To calculate the size of your battery, you need to calculate the watt-hours (Wh) you need per day by multiplying the
number of days you want to be able to go without being connected to the grid times your energy use in watts.
For a 10kWh daily requirement, the size of the lithium battery required will be:
10kWh x 1.2 (80% depth of discharge) x 1.05 (inefficiency factor) = 12.6 kWh
Batteries come in three voltages: 12, 24, and 48 volts.
For Lithium batteries, 12.6 kWh is equal to:
1,050 amp hours at 12 volts, 525 amp hours at 24 volts, or 262.5 amp hours at 48 volts
You can consult online calculators to figure out how much battery capacity you need.
Solar Battery Costs
The cost of batteries will depend on the size, type, and manufacturer. When using lithium-ion batteries, the cost of a
residential solar battery installation generally ranges between $7,000 and $14,000.
Inverter for Off-Grid Solar Power System
An inverter is a device that converts the DC power from your battery into AC. It allows you to use appliances like
lamps, TVs, and other devices without requiring them to be plugged in as they would with standard household
electricity. The type of inverter you need depends on how many watts of capacity it needs to provide for your home
or business's energy requirements.

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.

Choosing the Right Inverter

To properly choose an inverter suitable for off-grid solar power systems, we recommend finding one with:
A range of voltages compatible with 12V or 24V batteries (to prevent voltage drops)
Low idle current draw (~0.45A per 100Watt/hr load at least)
Continuous output wattage capable of powering all appliances without overheating or damaging
them
A cooling fan and ventilation (to prevent overheating and damage due to high temperature)
An easy to read display panel showing the current inverter output voltage/frequency, input source,
battery level, and load capacity

Power Fuses - Overload Protection

In an emergency situation, the last thing you need is power overload, which happens when devices try to draw more
electricity than what's available from your batteries or generator source. This causes circuits to overload, so we
recommend using fuses with any device over 15 amps or 1800 watts capacity where circuit breakers cannot be used
instead (inverters, charge controllers).
Fuses are usually rated according to their amperage, so you will have to find out your inverter's capacity before
buying them. Power fuses are available in 30, 35, and 40 amps, but it is recommended that you use ones with a
higher rating than what your system offers for added protection against surge currents.
In this chapter, we've covered the basics of what you need to know before installing a solar power system. You
should now understand how an off-grid solar power system works and be able to choose between different
components for your own installation. When it comes time to purchase anything like panels or batteries, make sure
that you do some research first so that you can ask questions and get informed answers from professionals who can
help guide you through the process.
 Chapter 5

How to Calculate Loads

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.

How Do You Calculate Your Energy Needs

Before you install solar power in your home, the first thing you should do is assess your energy needs. In short, you
should add the total power consumption of different appliances you intend to use and other loads you may need.
You should clearly define the loads you want to run concurrently to get an idea of the total energy output you may
need.
Remember that a domestic solar system may not power appliances with high voltage like stoves, heaters, irons, and
others. Different factors can affect the total system capacity you can get per day, like location, weather elements,
load, as well as the quality of the system. The total amount of sunlight you get per day depends on the season or
time of year. The table below shows some of the things you may use with solar power.

AC Device Watts Hours/Day

Kitchen light 60 3 (180)
Refrigerator 20 24 (480)
Family room light 120 4 (480)
Television 70 3 (210)
Microwave 900 0.15(135)
Table fan 15 6 (90)
Clock radio 1 24 (24)
Coffeemaker 200 0.5 (100)

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.

How to Calculate the Number of Solar Panels You Require?

When you have calculated the average power required by all your appliances, you can determine the number of
solar panels you may need for your home. Power is measured in watts, and different panels produce various levels
of wattages. The wattage or power produced by a single solar panel determines the number of solar panels you will
need to install.
Energy Usage
As noted above, the number of solar panels you will need for your home depends on your energy usage. After
calculating your monthly electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh), you can easily calculate the number of
panels you use. You should also know that energy usage fluctuates depending on factors like time of year.
Depending on their capacity, if your monthly energy usage is about 900kWh, you may need between 16 and 23
solar panels on your rooftop.
Amount of Sunlight
The other factor that determines the number of solar panels you may need relates to the amount of sunlight you
receive daily. The intensity of the sun reaches peak periods at different times during the day, depending on your
location. Multiply the daily peak sun hours by 30 if you want to get the total monthly amount of sun you receive in
your area. Solar energy is more effective in tropical regions that receive an average of 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per
day. If you live in such a place, you may need fewer solar panels. However, if you live in a cold climate, you will
need more solar panels.
Calculate the Solar Power System Size
When you know the average amount of energy produced in your area, you can calculate the size of the system you
will need. Solar power systems come in different sizes depending on your total energy requirements and the amount
of sunlight you receive. Other systems are more powerful than others, and this all comes down to the quality of
panels you buy.
How to Improve Efficiency
When you have installed the appropriate system, there are different things you can do to maintain efficiency. This
will help you get the optimum output of electricity in your home. The following are some of the tips to improve
solar panel efficiency.
Choose the Best Solar Panels

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.

How to Reduce Electrical Needs

You should know that power generated by the solar power system may not match electricity accessed from the
public grid. Therefore, you must learn to reduce your electrical needs to not overload your solar power supply. The
following measures can help you manage your solar energy.
Monitor Your Device Usage
It is vital to operate one device at a time if you solely rely on solar energy in your home. If you turn on multiple
devices at the same time, you risk losing power quickly. Your batteries will lose power at a fast rate if you connect
many appliances to the system. Therefore, it is recommended that you use one device at a time to ensure that less
electricity is used.
You can achieve this by switching off other devices you're not using. For instance, if you are not watching
television, you should switch it off. Make sure the appliances that consume more power, like microwave and coffee
maker, don't run simultaneously. Other gadgets that should not run at the same time include vacuum cleaners and
dishwashers, as well as electric shavers and hair dryers. If they are used simultaneously, these devices can quickly
drain power from the batteries.
Use More Electricity during Sunlight Peak Hours

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

Setting Up Your Solar Grid Network

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.

How to Build Your Solar Grid Network

A solar grid network is simply a grid of solar panels placed to capture the most amount of energy from the sun
throughout the day. This can be done in multiple ways and will most often look different for each home or business
depending on:
How much space do you have available?
The maximum power your grid components can handle.
How much energy do you need to generate daily?
Where the sun rises and sets during certain seasons.
The direction your house faces.

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 Structures of the Solar Grid Network

The structure of your solar grid network will vary greatly depending on what is available at your location. Many
people build their structures themselves, but most do not have this option because they are renting or living in an
apartment. If this is the case for you, follow the design guidelines enforced by your lease agreement.
The components of your solar grid network are mounted to your structures. Your solar panels, batteries, inverter,
and any other grid components will have mounting bars that are attached directly into the structure itself using
screws or bolts. You can then use "L" shaped brackets with steel cables to tie everything together so they do not
move when the wind blows or other forces try to push them around.
Your structures are normally built around your solar panel mounting racks because these are the components that
have the unique requirements for being supported by a structure. The main component that needs structural support
is the rack itself, so you will need to make sure you have proper mounts to place this rack into your structures. Most
racks are placed on top of rafters or poles that are built into the structure itself. You will have to run a route for all
of your cables from the solar panels through your structures and back down to where they connect to the rest of
your solar grid network components.
The typical layout for a small home solar grid network looks like the diagram below.
If you want to rack up your solar panels in a large commercial setting, you will need to pay extra attention to how
you place them because they are very heavy and can cause damage if they fall or tip over. You will normally see
racks with three rows of solar panels and two poles holding them together so they don't tip over.
When designing your structures, you need to use common sense and not place components where they can be
damaged or might cause problems for someone walking around. For example, if you are placing solar panels on the
roof, make sure that a sturdy railing or wall cuts off access to the edge so someone cannot accidentally walk off of it
and get hurt.

Building Your Solar Panel Rack

You will want to use stainless steel or aluminum for your solar panel mounting rack, not galvanized steel because it
will corrode over time when exposed to the elements. The main components are two long bars that are either bolted
together or welded. The main bars will have multiple holes along their lengths, so you can adjust them for each row
of solar panels that they carry.
The rack needs to be able to handle the weight of your solar panels, especially if they are large and made out of
glass. Most panels range anywhere from 50lbs per panel on the smaller end and up to 90lbs on the larger end. If you
are mounting more than one row of panels, you must make sure that they are mounted securely.
The bottom support bars should be placed closer together than the upper bars so that there is no chance that the
panels will slip through. You may also want to use steel cables to tie your racks together in case they shift when you
walk on them.

Solar Panel Cable Runs

All of the cables in your solar grid network carry direct current (DC) electricity that needs to be converted into
alternating current (AC) for use in your home. Low voltage direct current (LVDC) is generally used for everything
except for the very far distances between your solar panels and power center. Here, high voltage direct current
(HVDC) is used since it uses a smaller wire gauge to conserve energy loss over long distances.
All of the cables in residential or commercial solar installation use a small wire gauge because they either run short
distances between components or are high voltage cables. This type of cable is often referred to as 10-2 cable,
which means that it has 10 American Wire Gauge (AWG) wires inside of a protective rubber coating that measures
2 inches in diameter. The diameter of this size cable is small enough to be placed within a 1-inch metal conduit and
covered with plastic, and it costs about $.80 per foot for this wire gauge.
This is the most common type of cable used in solar applications because they handle smaller loads and can run for
up to 50 feet without any issues. The term "50-foot cable" is often used to describe this product because it is the
maximum length you would want to use without pulling out a larger cable, commonly referred to as "100-foot
cables".
You may be wondering why you should not run your 10-2 wire farther than 50 feet or even more on some large
commercial solar installations. The reason is that the higher the wire gauge, the more resistance it has and the more
heat it generates while carrying electricity. If you have your 10-2 cables run a long distance, there is a good chance
it will overheat and become a fire hazard.
A few different sizes of cables are used in solar and these cables vary by their wire gauge and how many wires they
have. Each size is meant to be fairly close together in your solar grid network, so you do not want to mix them, or
else there could be issues with low voltage or voltage drop towards the end of the line.

Wiring Your Solar Grid Network

When running cables through your structures, you want to make sure that you place a piece of conduit in every hole
before you run a cable through it. This will provide a safe path for the cable and prevent damage from sharp objects
that could snag the insulation and damage your cable. Conduit costs about $1.25 per foot and is well worth it for the
protection that it provides your cable and secure structure.
As you plan out your wire routes, remember that anything that runs through a hole in your structures will need to be
pulled tight into the conduit before you put the cover on. If you leave cables that are not held back in place, then
they can get caught and break when someone walks by and pulls it out of the hole slightly.
The following is a list of what cables to use for your solar grid network:
1. 10-2 (for short runs up to 50 feet or so)
2. 4/0 (for structural support)
3. 2/0 (for large structures like your main power center and inverter arrays)
4. 1 (for very large structures like your transformer panels and mains service panel, but not for
regular AC wiring)

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.

Plan Your Cables Properly

When laying out your cables in blueprint form, you should always label them on the plan so you know what each
cable is and where it goes. You must get approval from your local building department before you begin
construction on anything that uses electricity, and they will usually want to see a blueprint of your project.
When running cables, if you are using a rigid metal conduit, then you should bend the cable gently with pliers to get
it through each hole. The easiest way is to put both ends of the cable into the square-shaped opening on one side
and push it down until it pops out of the other side. Be sure to do this gradually so as not to damage the insulation,
and make sure to bend at a 90° angle.
When laying out your solar grid network, you should always reference local building codes to make sure that
everything is built correctly and to code. Even if you are planning on taking this project off-grid (separation from
the grid), it does not mean that you do not need to follow local codes. In the end, it is more important that you are
safe and that you do not damage anyone else's property or land by accidentally making contact with a power line.

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.

Planning Out Your Cable Runs

When planning out your cable runs, you have to consider everything that you want to power and where each device
will be placed in relation to the power source. For example, you need to know how long each cable run will be to
accurately calculate how much cable you need. You should also plan out where your inverter will go since it has to
be close enough for all of your cables to reach it. This might mean that you have to put your inverter somewhere
that is not the most convenient, but it will be worth it.
You also need to consider where you will place your batteries and what types of batteries you will use. This will
affect how big of an inverter you need, which in turn affects how much power all of your cables combined can
handle. For example, if you are going to use Lithium-Ion batteries, then your inverter might be as small as 5000
watts, but if you are using lead-acid batteries, it has to be larger.
If you plan on expanding your system in the future, it is a good idea to have enough cable already installed so that
you can just run new cables and not have to worry about running more than you need. This is especially important if
your inverter and batteries are long distances apart, but it is a good idea regardless of where everything is located.

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.

Connecting Your System Together

To wire your batteries together, you should use a heavy-duty 2 AWG cable or bigger. A cable this large can handle
more current, and this means that it is less likely to fail no matter how big your battery bank gets. On the other
hand, connecting batteries in parallel aren't complicated, but it does require a little bit of electrical knowledge.
The first thing you need to do is ensure that all of the batteries are at the same charge level and voltage. Then
connect one set of positive terminals to the other set of positive terminals with a piece of 2 AWG wire long enough
to connect all the batteries. From there, you need to connect both sets of negative terminals with another piece of
heavy-duty wire.
The next thing to do is make sure that your system's protective devices are connected between the positive and
negative connections. Finally, make sure that you connect the batteries' grounding terminals. There should be a
thick plate or lug on each battery for this purpose.

Mounting All the Components

When installing your inverter, you should install it on a surface that will not conduct electricity. This includes
concrete, dirt, and even grass or soil as long as there is a safe distance between the inverter and the ground. If you
have a metal mounting surface, then you can mount your inverter directly to it.
If you are going to be installing your array on a roof, make sure that it is south-facing and at least 10 feet above
where any obstacles will be located. Make sure to also install the array at an orientation parallel to the ground so
that it can pick up on as much sunlight as possible.
Mounting your batteries on the ground or a concrete slab is generally not recommended because they are heavy, and
this can cause issues with the surface below. It's best to provide some resistance between them and the floor. If you
have to mount the batteries on a concrete floor, it is best to use metal plates between them and the floor. This way,
they will be less likely to transfer any unwanted current.

Feeding Your Bus Bars

During installation, your inverter's main 120-volt output bus bars should be fed from a circuit breaker with a rating
equal to or greater than the main inverter. This breaker should be mounted in a metal box with a grounding lug, and
it should always be left on when the inverter is not supplying power to your system.
Understanding the Inverter and Mains Service Panel
Understanding how an inverter works and the difference between a grid-tie inverter and a stand-alone or off-grid
inverter is very important. Grid-tie inverters feed into the electrical grid while stand-alone ones do not.
Inverters can be wired in two ways, depending on whether they are inside or outside the building. If the inverter is
inside, it should be mounted in a dry, ventilated area like an attic. This way, any heat generated by the inverters will
escape into the building instead of remaining inside, where it can cause damage.
If you are mounting your inverters outside (recommended for larger systems), then it is important to make sure they
are weatherproof. This means that you will need to mount them in a secure enclosure strong enough to protect the
inverter from rain, hail, and other types of damage.
Grid-tie inverters can be used as either a standard on/off switch or as a transfer relay that turns on and off depending
on your energy needs. Some grid-tie inverters will also have a generator start relay that can be activated with the
push of a button if you need to power up the entire system manually at any time. The transfer relay is important
because it tells the AC side of your inverter when to switch from battery power to grid power.
If you need to conserve power, it is best to keep the grid-tie inverter turned off, except when there is a lot of
sunlight that will allow for maximum usage without allowing your batteries to drain too low. This means that if you
are not getting much sun or enough solar energy, then you can turn off your inverter and save your batteries for
when you need them most. If the inverter is in this mode and there is a blackout, it can also be used to supply
emergency power to your home or facility.
If you are using an off-grid inverter, it should be installed either inside of a metal enclosure or mounted outside on a
surface that will provide proper cooling. The enclosure should be a weatherproof enclosure, and it should also have
a grounding lug for safety purposes.
The mains service panel will provide you with access to all of your AC breakers that are connected to your inverter.
Generally, it is best to have them all the same size and rating as each other. This also means that they should be able
to handle at least the full amperage of your entire system's load combined.

Racking Systems for Solar Arrays and Batteries

The way you rack up your solar panels and batteries will directly affect how well they perform. If you have metal
racks, then it is best to ground them to the system's grounding bus bar. This means that you should always allow at
least one inch of space between your metal racks and other metallic surfaces.
You should also make sure that the racks are completely level and secured to avoid any movement or swaying
during breezy conditions, not to mention for your safety. If you go with a wooden rack system, it is best to use
pressure-treated lumber and fasteners such as screws or stainless/galvanized nails because they are less prone to
rusting over time. You should not use pressure-treated lumber near your batteries because the chemicals in the
wood have highly corrosive properties.
You should also make sure that there is at least one inch of space between your rack system and any other object for
airflow purposes. If you choose to use racks that are mounted on rails, it is best to mount them off the ground to
avoid grounding issues or corrosion build-up. You can also install a mid-metal clamp along with either an end
clamp or threaded rod every three feet if your rack system does not have railings.
Many different racking systems can be used to mount solar panels, so it is important to do your research before
investing in one.
Portrait or Landscape Orientation
How will you orient your panels? If you want them to fit on the roof of a standard home, then portrait orientation
might be the way to go. This means that you will mount your solar modules off of a single plane and face directly
south. If you want your panels to be visible from the road, landscape orientation might do the trick. Landscape
orientation is when you mount panels along more than one plane to be visible from all sides. This will mean that
you can mount your modules off different planes facing east, west, or south.
Modules connected in parallel allow for easier access to individual panels, so it might be the way to go if you have
a large array. Modules connected in series means that portions of your system will receive less sunlight because no
one part of the array gets all of it. This is generally not recommended for smaller arrays because you would be
losing out on valuable energy production.
Rails and Saddles
One of the most common ways to mount solar panels is with a rail system. Rails can attach directly onto your
structure, or they can be mounted off of a separate surface. While rails are one of the more popular mounting
systems, they may not be ideal for every situation. When you have multiple racks running in parallel, it might make
more sense to use a single-point grounding system like metal saddles. Saddle systems allow individual racks or
modules to be mounted onto threaded rods or bolts that are set into the ground.

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.

There are also some downsides to mid-clamps and end-clamps:

When they attach to your rafters, they can sometimes cause them to sag.
If your rafters are not properly secured, then your panels may move around and could even fall off
if you encounter very strong winds or other adverse weather conditions.
If you need to replace or repair your panels, then the clamps will need to be removed first. There is
no quick and easy way of removing these types of clamps.

Mounting Racks Directly to Structures

The cheapest option for mounting your solar modules onto your roof is by using mounting racks that attach directly
to your roofing structures. There are several different types of systems that you can choose from, but the most
common ones include:
1. Truss Mounts

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

Things to Take into Consideration

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.

Measuring Space and Making Adjustments

An important factor in determining what kind of solar solution will work best for your home or business is the
amount of space you have available. With an off-grid system, you have the option to set up your panels in tandem
with batteries so that you have electricity even after hours, or you can have a purely solar-powered home in which
you won't have electricity once the sun sets. If you're thinking of permanently living off-grid, having some kind of
power reserve will be necessary.
For the panels themselves, you might also need quite a bit of space to manage all the appliances, lights, and
ventilation solutions in your home. For instance, if you are looking to create a 10Kw system, which is usually
enough for most residential homes, you will need enough solar panels to create 10Kw of power. Depending on the
kind of panels you choose, you might be able to fit them on your roof.
The most common solar panels are rated at 150W, 200W, 250W, 300W, 350W, and 400W. Some of the latest solar
panels have an increased power rating of up to 500W. For example, if you need to generate 10Kw from 150W
plates, you will need roughly 67 panels, whereas if you go for the 500W panels, you will just need 20 panels. With
the average panel measuring 2Ftx4Ft or 8 square feet each, you are looking at roughly 540 square feet if you go
with the 150W panel's Vs. 160 square feet if you go with the 500W panels.
The main reason people choose to use roof space is that it helps make use of space otherwise left untouched.
However, if you have plenty of land and don't mind foregoing a few hundred feet just to install solar panels, then a
ground-mounted solution can work just as well.
The main aim with any kind of solar panel installation is that all your panels can get enough sunlight and be
installed in the best position to get the most out of the sunlight available. If you choose to mount a few panels on the
roof with others on the ground, that can work too.
Generally speaking, the higher the wattage of the panel, the higher the voltage of the panel. So, if a 150W panel was
to give you 8 amps and 15 volts of power, a panel with twice the wattage could potentially give you a bit more than
twice both amperage and voltage.
For most homes, the best solution is the one with the least amount of modifications to the actual structure of the
house and the one that costs the least to install. Usually, roof-mounted solutions are cheaper than ground-mounted
solutions as they require less frame fabrication and less material to create the structure on which the panels will rest.
However, in some situations, the ground-mounted solution may turn out to be cheaper. Usually, pole-mounted
solutions are the most expensive to install, but they also make the most efficient use of space. Rather than having a
big frame on which all the panels are installed, you can have pairs or sets of four panels installed on poles. When
mounting them on the roof, people usually have a fixed amount of roof space available. Then it becomes a necessity
to use higher wattage panels in order to get the amount of electricity needed with the least amount of panels.

Adjusting Panels According to Sun and Shade

The one thing that can compromise the efficiency of a solar panel setup is shade. Cloud cover is not the issue. It is
the shade created when there are things like chimneys, poles, or dishes blocking the sun. The problem is that each
panel comprises a number of modules. When light hits the entire panel, it creates a certain amount of energy
throughout the panel to produce the amount of electricity the panel is rated at. If you have a 500W panel yet have
some shade covering even a small portion, the entire panel is limited in the amount of electricity it can produce. If
you have obstructions near the panel, such as trees, trim the trees down to a desirable length or, better yet, remove
them entirely.
If you have things on your roof that simply can't be avoided, such as chimneys or air vents, your best option is to go
for a hybrid solution. Instead of having all your panels on the roof where some might be blocked by shade, you can
have some on the roof, some installed on poles, and some on the ground. This will help make the most out of the
available space and ensure that all your panels are working at 100% efficiency.

Adjusting Panels According to Roof Size

The other option is to create a frame according to the size of the roof. For example, if you have a maximum of 250
square feet available, you will need to select a panel with enough wattage to cover your needs. The average panel
measures 8 square feet and can have a wattage anywhere from 150W to 500W. On a roof with 250 square feet of
usable space, approximately 32 solar panels. Going with the lowest powered panels will yield around 5Kw of
power, while the highest power rated panels will yield 16Kw of power. In many cases, people will have hundreds of
feet of space on their roof, but the problem is that only some of the roof space is facing the sun. Simply having the
solar panels in the sun isn't enough; they need to be facing the right direction in order to make as much electricity as
possible.

How to Place Your Panels

Many solar installation experts believe that your panels should be facing south, while others say that they should be
facing the west to get the most amount of sunlight throughout the day. For homes in the northern hemisphere, the
sun is in the southern part of the sky for most parts of the year. Having the panels facing south ensures that the
panels are exposed to the highest amount of sunlight during daylight hours. When adjusting your solar panels to
face the south, you want them to face the South Pole and not the True South or the Magnetic South. The situation is
inverted for homes in the southern hemisphere, and solar panels should face the North Pole.
Similarly, tilting the solar panels to face southward between 30 and 40 degrees helps to get the light to hit the panel
with the most intensity as it creates a perpendicular angle. Having the light hit the panel at a perpendicular angle
means you will be producing the most amount of electricity possible. The angle at which you set up your solar
panels does vary, and a rule of thumb is to keep the angle of the solar panel the same as your geographical latitude;
therefore, in some cases, this angle could go as far up as 50 degrees.
Having the right tilt angle also helps reduce the amount of dirt, debris, or snow accumulating on the panels. In some
cases, snow or factors in the environment can completely block light. Having the panels leaning at a good angle
helps snow slide off and also makes dust accumulate slower than it would on a completely flat or more inclined
surface.
In some scenarios, experts believe that the solar panel should face southwest. This is because in some regions such
as the northern European countries, dawn is a little later, and sunset can be as late as 11 pm. Moreover there is still
light during the night in these regions, as the sun is never completely out of the horizon, and residual light can be
seen 24 hours a day. Having the panels face southwest instead of south helps get the additional light from the late
sunset hours. If the panels face flat towards the south, the peak sunlight hours are when the sun is directly above the
solar panels. The additional sunlight that is available after peak afternoon hours cannot create a good amount of
energy. The slight tilt towards the west helps make better use of later hours and can even help utilize residual light
to create energy late into the evening. The opposite is true for homes in the southern hemisphere, though the same
concept applies.
Some experts also consider the kind of billing structure you have with your utility company when it comes to
deciding the direction of the panels. For instance, if you have a tier-based billing structure in which electricity gets
more expensive as you consume higher amounts of it, it will be more effective to use south-facing panels as you are
looking to generate the most amount of electricity overall.
In contrast, it would be better to have westward-facing panels with a time-of-use-based billing structure as the
highest electricity rate is during the evening (peak hours) when people are using electricity the most. Having
westward panels means you are able to make electricity during these peak hours, and you won't have to draw
electricity from the grid.
Also, you can further reduce your electricity costs by installing batteries to store electricity during the day when
there is excess production. You can utilize this extra energy at night or use it during peak hours to further reduce the
amount you use from the grid.
 Chapter 8

How to Assess Your Work

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.

Check Your Panels

You should regularly check your solar panels as their physical condition is the first indicator of whether they're
working as efficiently as they should be. Are your solar panels dirty, or are they gleaming and shiny? Check
whether they have bird droppings, tree leaves, small branches, vines, or sap on them. Is the plastic on your solar
panels peeling? Are they delaminated? Minor alterations in the physical condition of your solar panels can
drastically affect their performance.
If you live in an area with frequent rainfall, you shouldn't worry too much about having to clean your solar panels.
The rain will eventually wash all the dust away. However, if you're in a dry area where the accumulation of dirt,
dust, and other grime is a problem, a lack of maintenance and cleaning can decrease your system's output. If it
hasn't rained in a while, grab a hose, and wash it all down. If the dirt remains, you'll have to clean it by hand.
Normally, people would call professional contractors to have their solar panels cleaned. However, since you're
living off the grid and are practicing self-sufficiency, you need to be ultra-careful as you clean your solar panels
yourself. Use water to get rid of the dirt, and then process to rub the panels gently using soapy water and a soft
scrubber. Make sure not to scratch or dent the surface of the panels. After you're done, use clean water to rinse them
down again, and then squeegee them dry.
You also need to make sure that your solar panels are not blocked by shade. Even if you checked for shade while
installing your solar panels, you might find that there is more shade now after you installed them. A tree may have
grown taller and gotten in the way, an antenna may be blocking the sun, a new structure may have arisen out of
nowhere, or a roof ventilator may have been placed. Even if one part of your solar panel is affected, you need to
keep in mind that when all of them are connected to each other or string mounted, the shade that falls on one single
panel affects all the others. However, if you were able to optimize your panels or asked an expert to do that for you,
the shade only affects the solar panel that it falls on. Either way, you need to check if the sun is blocking any of
your panels because the energy output will be affected.

Inspect the Inverter

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.

Check the System's Data

You can access the information on your PV solar system, provided that it's a new model, in one of two ways. You
can either use your inverter's digital screen or the online account linked to your inverter. The best thing about the
online account is that it offers detailed graphs and data that are easy to understand and provide a comparison to the
expected operations and performance of your inverter. The online account can also provide you with monthly and
yearly kWh output.
While checking your digital screen can be helpful, it doesn't provide as much insight into the performance of your
inverter. However, it is still useful as it can offer three figures. It can indicate the number of power kilowatts being
sent out to your house at this instant. It also shows the number of energy kilowatt-hours being generated up to any
given moment of the day. If you want an accurate representation, you can check this number when the sun goes
down. Finally, it can show the number of energy kilowatt-hours that have been generated ever since your inverter
was installed.
If you are confused between power and energy, here is how you can differentiate between the two: kilowatt-hours
or kWh is the unit of measurement of energy, while kilowatts (kW) or watts (W) is the unit of measurement of
power. For instance, if the consistent output of your solar panels is 5 kW of power for 1 hour, you will have
generated 5 kWh of energy.
If you decide to access your system's web portal, you will not find your energy consumption. You will see graphs
and data that are easy to read regarding your system's daily, monthly, and yearly energy production. Only 32% of
individuals who have solar systems use the online web portal to keep an eye on their system. If you still didn't do it,
make sure to check your manufacturer's website for the portal and log into your account. Some companies allow
you to choose between making your data private or public.
Is Your Solar Power System as Efficient as It Should Be?
Your solar power system provider should have given you an owner's manual upon installation. This manual
includes the estimated amount of energy that your solar system will produce. The manual has a monthly breakdown
of energy output for the entire year. This amount may either be conveyed as the daily average of kilowatt-hours or
kWh per month or should be expressed as the monthly energy yield.
To know if your solar system is performing as well as it should be, you need to compare the estimated amount
found in the owner's manual with the real-time output that you can access through the user portal on the website or
the mobile app. These infographics are not typically available on the inverter's screen. This information can also be
accessed through a third-party tracking system.
You need to keep in mind that your system can never operate at 100% efficiency. This means that anyone with 5kW
panels installed can only produce a maximum of 5kW in one hour. You need to know that you will inevitably
experience losses with the cabling and the inverter. The operation of the panels is influenced by season, weather
conditions, and the panels' direction and angles. Ensuring that the panels and their installation strategy are well-
designed can help you minimize losses. If you can't find the estimated output of your solar system or you want to
double-check, you can find an online PV watts calculator that uses BOM weather data to help you estimate the
system's assumed output.

Invest in a Third-Party Solar Monitor

Although this idea may cost you money upfront, it can save you a lot of time, effort, and money further down the
line. This is the best way to make sure that your PV installation efforts are up to par. By investing in a third-party
solar monitor, you can enjoy peace of mind, knowing that your solar system is working as well as it should be. This
will help you make the most of your solar system and stay on track with your PV system's health.
As we mentioned above, much of the data that comes with the inverter is either unclear or lacks vital information.
However, a third-party solar monitor can help you determine if your solar panels are weak or unproductive. If you
are using a satellite phone or within the range of cellular towers, you can benefit from the fact that they send out
SMSs or emails to alert their users of poor solar systems within a few days of detecting an error.
Investing in a good quality monitor is also a good idea if you want to always keep track of the panels' performance
and output. These monitors account for weather conditions and will always warn you if your solar panels'
performance falls below the minimum output guaranteed in the warranty. If you decide to seek professional help,
letting them know that you use a solar monitor will ensure that they take your concerns earnestly.
These systems allow you to measure the appliances and circuits that consume high amounts of energy and track
your personal energy usage on your property. This will allow you to reduce the usage of appliances that consume
great amounts of energy or switch to more efficient options.
Check the Wiring
As you probably know, there are two ways to string or wire your solar panels. You can either string them in series
or in parallel. To determine the right method, you need to check your inverter and solar panel information. Make
sure to check your inverter's information for the maximum DC input voltage, the minimum voltage, and the
maximum input current. You also need to know the number of MPPTs it has. Certain MPPTs require that the panels
must be somewhat consistent. Otherwise, their performance will be diminished. You also need to keep in mind that
if your inverter has several MPPTs, the strings of the panels that have varying conditions may be connected to a
distinct MPPT.
You also need to know your solar panels' open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current. Note that these values rely
on the panels' performance in STC. While this measurement unit provides consistency in lab testing, real-world
conditions may be quite different. This means that your real-time panels' voltage and current may differ
significantly from the provided values. This is why you have to adjust your calculations regarding the maximum
temperatures and assumed minimum where the panels are installed to make sure that you have the right string
lengths for the expected conditions.
If your solar panels should be stringed in series, you must know that each panel should be connected to the
following one in line. Think of solar panels as batteries. Each one of them has a negative and a positive terminal.
This means that as you string the positive terminal of a panel, you must connect it to the negative terminal of the
next in line. The problem with connecting your solar panels in series is that if one part of your solar panels falls
under the shade, then the entire string's current will be affected. The current of the entire string is diminished to the
panel with the lowest current since the current stays the same throughout the entire string.
If your solar panels should be stringed in parallel, you must realize that it's a bit more challenging. Unlike
connecting in a series, you connect all your negative terminals to one wire and all the positive ones to another.
Issues with solar panels can damage your electronics and appliances. A minor issue could suddenly grow out of
control, and you may end up spending a lot of money. This is why you need to make sure that your solar panels are
installed correctly.
 Chapter 9

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.

Risks Involving Specific Worksites

Whether it's a commercial property or a personal one, different properties require different approaches to solar
system installation. Before you begin the installation process, you must assess all the possible safety risks and
address them when planning the execution of your setup. First, you must identify the correct tools you need for the
assessment and the subsequent installation process. After inspecting them and confirming they are in perfect
working condition, you need to look for the safest placement for the panels, batteries, and connections. Apart from
placing the panels in a suitable location to receive enough solar power, all the other elements must be easily
accessible during installation and future maintenance. Make sure the property has proven structural integrity to
support the entire system and eliminate any potential safety hazards. Lastly, you should find out the site's solar
radiation levels to determine the expected output the system would generate. Doing this will allow you to learn if
the output will match the property's energy needs and to make sure that the system can handle all the electricity it
generates and conducts.

Wearing Personal Protective Equipment

Wearing personal protective equipment is highly advised during solar installation. In fact, most commercial
installers are making protective gear mandatory, and rightfully so. Insulated gloves, hard hats, rubber shoes, and
shoes with steel toes can be a lifesaver for anyone working on a solar power installation project. Inspect your
personal protective equipment after each use. If any piece of your protective gear gets damaged, you should replace
it as soon as possible. Malfunctioning protective equipment has the potential to become a hazard itself - and when it
comes to safety, this should be avoided at all costs.

Preparing for a Bad Weather

When it comes to electricity, the most important safety rule to keep in mind is if bad weather approaches, you must
stop working immediately. Installing any elements of the solar systems puts you in contact with electricity, which
means that if a storm hits, you can get electrocuted. Even if there are only strong winds, these could damage the
panels and the rest of the photovoltaic system if they get thrown around. If there is a chance of high wind or
snowfall, you should stop working, secure all the elements, and wait until the weather clears. Failing to do so can
increase the chance of you slipping or losing balance.
Furthermore, most manufacturers recommend installing a rapid shutdown feature, which will allow you to shut
down the entire system during any phase of installation. If there is an approaching storm or flooding, you must
safely cut the electricity off. This will prevent shocks, fires, or any other damages to you and your property.
Installing these by yourself will put you in an advantageous position because you won't have to waste time
consulting the manufacturer for the proper safety shutdown procedure in an emergency situation. You won't need to
own and utilize any additional equipment to shut down your system. You will only have to shut down the inverter
and switch off the PV array isolator. If there is a risk of flooding, you should turn off the rooftop array isolator to
prevent the inverter from causing an electric shock.
A rapid shutdown option raises the safety levels of your solar power system during and after the installation
process. But if you want to take the security one step further, you can install an automatic shutdown feature as well.
This is triggered automatically when the alternating current to the inverters is blocked; you won't even have to be
home to cut off the electricity. The solar panels will automatically switch off, preventing further damage to your
system or any harm to the first responders in the case of a fire.

Lifting and Handling Solar Panels

Because solar panels are usually awkward and heavy to lift, you shouldn't do all the work yourself. Injuries can
occur anytime when lifting and moving solar panels, from the time you upload them to the moment you mount them
on the roof. No matter how insignificant it may seem, sprains, back strains, or muscle pulls can easily accumulate
and cause trauma to your body. Not only that, as soon as the panels are unpacked and start to receive sunlight, they
will begin to heat up. If you aren't handling them properly, they can cause severe burns.
Having at least one person to assist you can lower the risk of accidents or injuries. When handling a solar panel, you
must wear insulated gloves at all times to protect you from the heat and the possible electricity charge the panels
already have in them. It's also a good idea to keep your arms and legs covered to prevent scrapes and cuts. If there is
lots of sunlight, you should wear a hat and plenty of sunscreens. Don't climb ladders while carrying panels. Instead,
use cranes or ladder-based winch systems to get the panels to the roof.
An additional precaution you can take is covering your panels up with opaque paper as soon as you unbox them.
This will prevent them from collecting sunlight and building up heat. You should keep this protection on during the
wiring to stop premature electricity production and prevent electrical shocks. Do not apply any pressure on the solar
panels either, as this might damage them and cause injuries. Make sure you never sit or step on them either, or
handle every tool around them very carefully. Wherever you place them during transfer, the area underneath the
panels should be clean, dry, and clear of any objects. Before you install them on the roof, make sure that the home's
sheathing is completely dry. Placing your panels on a wet surface could cause damage and generate a surge
overload or a short circuit anywhere in the system. If your home is newly built, make sure its roof is completely dry
before you start the installation. If your home is older, make sure to replace any suspicious or malfunctioning
shingles to prevent any leaks and damages to your system in the future.

Additional Tips for Working on Roofs

Whatever equipment you use to hoist up the solar panels should be properly inspected before the work commences.
The most common place to install solar panels is the roof. Therefore, you should start mounting the panels only
after ascertaining that both the equipment and the building can support the weight of the panels. This involves
lifting them several feet in the air and placing them gently on the roof. Solar panels can be heavy, and you want to
make sure the machines used for lifting them can handle their weight.
A ladder is a piece of equipment you will need to pick wisely. Depending on the scope of the work, you may need a
step, straight, or extension ladder that extends at least three feet above the rung where you will stand. While the
most commonly available ladders are made of aluminum or metals, these are also good conductors - something you
don't want to have when working with electricity. It's highly recommended to use a ladder made from non-
conductive materials. When working on rooftops, you must take extreme safety precautions to prevent slipping and
falling. Depending on your setup, you may utilize harnesses, safety nets, lifelines, or whatever measure you feel
necessary to avoid getting injured. If you will be working above 6 feet, having guardrails is one of the best ways to
prevent falls. Any power tool you bring to work on the roof should operate safely and efficiently, so the setup
would run smoothly. It's recommended to use insulated tools for these purposes. Rubber mats can also be a good
solution for protecting the panels from the equipment you have. Plus, you can use them to prevent the ladder from
slipping as you climb.
Unfortunately, falls and trips can occur during any stage of the installation process. However, with a little bit of
forethought, you can minimize the chances of them happening anywhere on the site. Make sure you place the ladder
on dry, stable ground, and never block a walkway, doorway, or power line with it. When you are on a rooftop, the
space will gradually diminish as you continue installing the panels. Remove any objects that could obstruct your
path to avoid tripping and falling off the roof. Before you even begin the setup, seal all the holes on the roof's
surface you will be working on so you can move around more freely.

Working with Electricity

When setting up your own off-grid solar power system, it's imperative to ensure you are compliant with the local
solar energy safety rules and photovoltaic code. Consult any local applicable codes and laws concerning regulations
and required permits for installing solar systems as well as their inspection requirements. Since these laws can be
somewhat complex, you might find them too challenging to sort through. In that case, it's advisable to consult an
attorney or legal advisor to help you adhere to the regulations and obtain the necessary permits.
Once you have all the legalities in order, you can familiarize yourself with the electrical components of your PV
array. You must treat it with the same caution you would like a regular utility power line when doing this. This
means cutting off all its electrical circuits before you start working on them. Remember, solar systems have
components that conduct energy they harnessed from the sun and converted into an alternating current. If any of
these components have a faulty electrical circuit, this can lead to an electric shock. That often results in injuries due
to the shock or an arc flash. Keep in mind that modern photovoltaic systems are quite effective even in low light
conditions. Before touching them, you will need to make sure to lock out all the voltage you can from your system.
Use a circuit meter to test if the elements are, in fact, de-energized before handling them. You can only start
connecting module connectors or other wirings if they are without electricity.
Part of the electrical setup should be ensuring that your entire system is properly grounded to prevent electrical
shock in the future. Avoid using old, corroded cables and keep these components away from humid air if possible.
Pay attention to the electrical elements in the PV source, grounding conductor, output circuit conductor, and
combiner box. These spots are all vulnerable, and even the smallest bit of moisture is enough to corrode their wires
and cause an electric shock. After you are done setting the system up, conduct a final inspection of the PV module
connectors. You will need to make sure that they won't get disconnected once they are under full load.
Solar panels are able to generate electricity the moment they gain access to sunlight. For this reason, as soon as you
start connecting them to the system, they will begin conducting electricity. For that reason alone, your risks of
getting injured by an electrical shock are much higher as well. When working with any components containing even
a little bit of electricity (such as solar panels, electrical contacts, and wiring), ensure that you handle them with
insulated tools and safety gear. A flexible metal conduit can provide adequate protection to your wires when
directing them through the walls or exposing them to the elements outdoors.
Since the energy generated from your system depends on solar radiation, you must shut it off during a power outage
or a short circuit to minimize hazards. Furthermore, you must contact your utility company and ask them to take
protective measures regarding the electrical wiring on your property. Even if you won't connect your system to their
grid, their wires probably run near your roof and in the walls, which means you will be working near them.
Tampering with them, even inadvertently, could lead to very dangerous consequences and possible fines.

Additional Important Safety Rules

Avoid installing solar panels near flammable gases. One little spark can cause an explosion.
It's also not a good idea to wear metallic jewelry during installation because they are good
conductors and can easily cause electric shocks.
Using artificial light on photovoltaic solar panels could permanently damage them.
Similarly, you don't want to install a solar system on a property within 0.3 miles of a sea or ocean.
The combination of salt and humidity in these locations will corrode the wiring.

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

Avoiding Costly Mistakes

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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