When it comes to finding the best solar installer for your needs factors to consider are installation costs, any solar loans available in your area, and any applicable tax credits or incentives.
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Off Grid Solar Power Systems
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Solar batteries are an important part of any solar energy system, allowing the energy from the sun to be stored and used later. Charging solar batteries is not as complicated as it may seem, but there are certain things to consider before doing so. This post will provide an overview of how to charge a solar battery, types of solar batteries, how long solar batteries typically last, whether you can charge solar batteries without a charge controller, and how much they cost.
Going off the grid is a commitment that requires complete solar power systems for your home or business, which is why the altE Off Grid Solar System Sizing Calculator was designed. From sizing your battery bank and calculating the number of watts of solar power you need, this calculator will help make sure you don’t needlessly spend money on equipment or supplies. Many people find that DIY solar is the ideal way to own a complete solar panel system.
A basic overview of the components needed for an off-grid (or stand-alone) system.
A helpful tool for estimating your electricity usage when you don't have old utility bills handy - and an essential tool for planning a system that will meet your electricity needs.
This 6-part video series covers the basics of designing a DIY off-grid solar power system and sizing its components.
Helps you size the battery bank, Watts of solar power, and the solar charge controller you'll need for an off-grid solar electric system.
Fill out this form with as much information as you can, and we'll get back to you with a system design!
Before beginning your renewable energy journey, read this guide on the five most important tips to consider.
Understanding the basics of electricity is an important building block for any work with PV.
Solar electricity does not have to be complicated. However, becoming a PV system owner does require a basic level of understanding, and this article is a good place to start.
Voltage-schmoltage! Read more about the four main voltages used in RE systems.
Get to know the pros and cons of each kind of solar electric system: PV Direct, Grid-Tied, Off-Grid, Grid-Tied with Battery Backup, and Hybrid systems.
This 4-part video series covers the primary components of a solar power system: solar panels and storage batteries, charge controllers and inverters, solar panel racking, and overcurrent protection.
A brief description of the major components of a Solar PV System. Note that components vary depending on whether or not batteries will be used in your system. There are additional small components required for a complete installation that are not listed here.
Learn the fundamentals of measuring rates and quantities of electrical energy, tailored for DIY solar enthusiasts.
This 2-part video series discusses solar panel basics: voltage, current, power, grid-tied vs. off-grid applications, Standard Test Conditions, connecting modules, and mono vs poly solar cells.
Solar electric panels (also known as photovoltaic modules) are perhaps the most popular of the renewable energy technologies for home owners. This article goes over some of technical basics behind solar electric panels and how they are used in larger systems.
Solar electric panels (or photovoltaic/PV modules) are devices that convert sunlight energy into electricity, but how do you know which one to choose and what are the differences between them?
Unlock the mysteries behind the jargon and acronyms of voltage!
Every solar panel is rated to produce a certain wattage, voltage and amperage under specific conditions. Learn more about how modules earn these ratings and what factors affect energy production.
Are you thinking about buying a solar panel system but don't know where to start? You came to the right place!
PV modules often come with special connectors (wires) on the back rather than just a junction box. There are several different types of connectors, and it's important to understand the difference between them.
Learn what inverters are and how they are used in a solar power system.
Learn why you need an inverter in your renewable energy system, the different optional features that they offer, and the advantages/disadvantages of different inverter types.
Learn about the different sine waves by seeing oscilloscope images created by various Inverters in action!
All inverters convert direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity, but that's where the similarities end between inverters. These days, a huge number of brands and options are available to consumers, and the correct choice for you depends on how you intend to use it.
Learn how to properly install an off-grid inverter with this step-by-step guide.
Read more about the deep-cycling batteries used in solar and other renewable energy applications and the differences between flooded lead-acid and sealed batteries.
If the battery bank is oversized, you risk not being able to keep it fully charged; if the battery bank is sized too small, you won't be able to run your intended loads for as long as you'd planned.
If you’ve added new appliances, purchased an EV, or have more people living in the house now than when you first designed your system, your batteries may not be able to keep up with your new energy demands.
Basic schematics with examples of series and parallel connections for batteries.
Accurately knowing the state of charge of your batteries and keeping them properly charged can extend their life, keep your system running properly, and save you money.
Two-part video series on battery charging terminology, concepts, and techniques.
Tips on locating and installing lead acid batteries for an off-grid renewable energy system.
Solar charge controllers are an essential element to any solar electric panel system. At a most basic level, charge controllers prevent batteries from being overcharged and prevent the batteries from discharging through the solar panel array at night.
How do you size a PWM solar charge controller? With a little math, it's pretty easy!
Learn the pros and cons of PWM and MPPT charge controllers with these comparisons and accompanying video.
Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is a popular technology that an increasing number of solar charge controllers offer. While MPPT charge controllers usually cost more than traditional solar charge controllers, the gain in overall charging efficiency makes them well worth it in most cases.
Learn how to size an MPPT solar charge controller for your off-grid solar electric system and how to take advantage of some of this type of charge controller's benefits.
Handy tool for sizing wires and cables for 12-volt, 24-volt, and 48-volt systems.
Determine the maximum amount of electrical current (amps) that can safely flow through different wire gauges.
Determine what size inverter-to-battery cables and DC breaker (or fuse) you should use with an off-grid inverter to install and operate it safely.
Solar energy is a resource for all parts of the world. Read on to find out more about your specific location.
Sizing a solar panel array is easier than you might think.
A: This is a trick question! There is no direct correlation between square footage and watts of solar to power the home.
Determine where true solar south is for your specific location.
What is magnetic declination, and why is it important when mounting solar panels?
Facing true south in an unobstructed location is extremely important to the proper functioning of a solar electric system.
Learn about the WEEB strategy for grounding PV equipment.
How exactly should you mount your solar panels?
Solar panel arrays can be mounted in many ways, so it's important to understand considerations like materials, costs, and orientation before deciding on a mounting system.
"The right tool for the job makes all the difference."
Learn to calculate NEC-compliant wire sizes for an off-grid or grid-tied solar PV system, including de-rating calculations for temperature, conduit fill, distance off the roof, and more.
How-to video on wiring a basic off grid solar electric system - follow along with the included schematic.
This video series tests wiring mismatching solar panels in series vs parallel through an MPPT charge controller to understand how to maximize solar power production from an array made of different kinds of solar panels.
Two parallel strings of two modules in series.
Short answer: It depends on the size of the system and what type of loads you want to run...
Maybe. But there are reasons to consider not to...
Preparation for any off-grid electric system begins with assessment and calculation of your energy needs. The primary tool used for this task is a Loads List.
Quickly find the the typical power rating (in Watts) of many common household appliances. Use this information to help estimate how large your alternative energy system needs to be.
Learn some tips for using solar or wind power systems in your RV or boat - and what's different about this application from using one of these systems in your home.
Figure out which renewable energy system is right for you and find links to contact us for any kind of system design and quote you need.
In areas where power outages are common, backup power sources are extremely important. Depending upon what loads you need to run and for what period of time, you may need an actual battery based system.
The answer has a lot to do with understanding your site's potential for insolation, wind, and water flow.
Many of the folks who visit our site are interested in installing a solar or wind electric system for their home but they do not know where to begin. Although to a certain degree each situation is different there are a few basic things that we will need to know to get you started.
U.S. Department of Energy handbooks for improving new home efficiency, comfort and durability in various climates zones.
Yes, but there's a much better way...
Definitions of many of the frequently used terms within renewable energy.
Maps of insolation and solar PV potential across the United States.
Solar insolation data for many large U.S. cities.
Maps of insolation and solar PV potential across the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America.
Maps of insolation and solar PV potential across South America.
Worldwide maps of insolation and solar PV potential.
Watch the recorded webinar sessions given by OutBack, SimpliPhi, Sol-Ark, MidNite Solar, SMA, Morningstar, KiloVault, Schneider, and more during our 2022 Virtual Solar Conference.
Watch the recorded webinar sessions given by Sol-Ark, OutBack Power, Morningstar, KiloVault, Schneider, MT Solar, S-5!, and Tamarack Solar during our 2021 Virtual Solar Conference.