An autonomous solar system can provide complete energy independence. The installation of photoelectric panels allows you to abandon the central power supply produced by the hydroelectric power station, atomic or heat power plants, or to receive a small part of electricity from it.
Connecting an autonomous system requires profound skills and following the solar panel wiring diagram. The inability of solar panels to generate electricity in the dark and bad weather requires the installation of reserve generators in the form of windmills or small-sized equipment for the production of electricity.
The following material will discover the features of an off-grid solar wiring diagram, which risk is subjected to self-connection of the solar power station, and which key nuances of the off-grid solar diagram are important to consider.
Important Decisions to Make While Wiring an Off-Grid Solar System
There are three options for connecting solar panels:
- series – plus connects to the minus;
- parallel – connected by the opposite method: + K +, – K -;
- mixed – connection occurs in parallel.
Each option requires its own off-grid solar system wiring diagram. Another crucial consideration is that each method of connection has a different maximum output voltage of the controller and kind of device.
Controllers have restrictions on the minimum and maximum voltage levels. When you use an off-grid solar power system wiring diagram, you need to consider the power of the solar system so that its productivity in generating electricity does not exceed the limit of the controller.
When using an off-grid solar system wiring diagram for a series connection method, it is important to know that the sequential connection of photovoltaic batteries adds the voltage of each separate panel. You can not connect the panels in larger quantities than the controller can withstand. An increase in voltage allows you to use thin and cheap wires to connect, which is an obvious downside.
When using the off-grid solar system schematic parallel connection, the voltage on each panel remains the same, and the current rises. The number of the wires must correspond to the number of combined currents produced by the system.
The mixed version of the off-grid solar power system wiring diagram is suitable for large solar power stations, where you can connect the panels in several rows or connect them in parallel. The disadvantage of the method is the need to connect a whole chain of batteries to increase energy instead of one or two panels.
Solar Panel Wiring in a Solar System
A wiring diagram off-grid solar system requires a competent connection of components. These can be performed in two ways: using tires or battery wires.
The size of copper tires must correspond to specific panel blocks. Compliance with this rule when following the wiring diagram for off-grid solar systems guarantees a safe connection between panels, avoiding problems with confusing wires. The use of tires for connecting batteries allows you to install the overall Building Management System. The connection of solar batteries using wires gives more opportunities. The method is effective under cramped conditions.
How to Install a Battle Bank for Off-Grid Solar Power
Off-grid solar array wiring diagram includes several key components:
- the panels themselves;
- batteries;
- charge controller;
- service box;
- generator;
- inverter.
In an off-grid solar PV wiring diagram, several connected batteries in a single chain are called the batteries bank. To connect the batteries, it is necessary to know the permissible voltage of the system corresponding to the possibilities of the inverter.
Solar RV wiring diagram uses direct current devices operating from 12 V or 24 V and requires an inverter with a large indicator.
Fuses and Breakers in Off-Grid Solar Systems
The wiring diagram for an off-grid solar system includes security systems – switches and fuses. The switches are installed near the entrance of the wires from the solar system to the house. They are located in such a way that, if necessary, repair or sudden circuit, you can quickly turn off a certain system unit.
Inverter fuses are there to protect against voltage or overload jumps. If the controller does not have a load, the off-grid solar panel wiring diagram will be slightly different. The load cables will be connected directly to the battery and not to the inverter. With this version of the off-grid solar power wiring diagram, additionally, you need to connect a fuse or direct current switch installed on lines with load cables.
Simple Solar Wiring Diagrams for RV
Vans, popular in the US, are often equipped with off-grid solar stations. When choosing solar wiring diagrams for an RV, it is important to remember that they are suitable for both handmade and factory campervans.
When using an RV solar panel wiring diagram, it is worth considering the following points:
- shading of one square photocell significantly reduces the productivity of the entire system;
- it is necessary to select short wires with a certain cross-section;
- recharging the battery should be carried out at a distance of up to 3 feet;
- install a special temperature sensor that sends the voltage to the batteries when they become colder;
- a trimetric counter is required, showing the amount of battery charge.
The universal RV solar panel installation wiring diagrams are presented below.
- Option 1
- Option 2
- Option 3
Are You Ready to Go off the Grid?
Having studied off-grid solar generator wiring diagrams for vans, campers, and ordinary houses, you should decide how justified the installation of the solar station on your own is or look for service from the relevant companies.
Mistakes in the installation might lead to the failure of all equipment. You can follow the RV solar wiring diagram having appropriate solar power station connecting skills. Remember that you need to understand the characteristics of components, though difficulty can arise with its detailed analysis.
Pros & Cons
Autonomous solar power stations have several advantages and disadvantages. The positive aspects of equipment are:
- independence from energy networks, tariffs, and voltage restrictions;
- the ability to install solar power stations in any place with access to sunlight;
- the user himself determines how much electricity he wants to produce;
- surplus energy can be sold to utility companies.
The disadvantages of solar energy equipment are:
- the high cost of systems;
- the need for a significant number of panels for large volumes of consumption;
- the failure of the entire solar power station if any key part breaks down and the entire house is de-energized.
It is recommended to weigh the pros and cons before installing an off-grid solar system.
