Eric T. Youngren
- Particles of sunlight are absorbed and converted to electric current
- The electricity flows through power electronics in the SolarNexus
- The storage batteries are charged using efficient multi-stage controls
- AC and DC loads are supplied high-quality electric power from the SolarNexus
- Stored energy in the batteries powers the loads at night and on cloudy days
If you're new to solar electric power systems or other renewable energy electrical systems, this brief introduction is for you.
First off, we're going to be talking about solar PV power systems, but the same ideas hold true whether your energy source is wind power, micro-hydro, or a stationary bicycle.
Secondly, there's a distinction between battery-based power systems where you are storing energy for later use and "grid-tied" battery-less systems that are dependent on the utility grid for their operation in net-metering operations.
Battery-based systems are also called off-grid power systems, or island power systems. Grid connected homes can be islands too, with a battery-based grid interactive PV system.
Solar Nexus International specializes in off-grid power systems because our customers are often in remote locations across the globe, far from reliable electricity grids. With a battery-based system, your entire electricity system is within your control, which makes it more reliable and secure.
The four parts of a renewable energy electric power system:
Power Input -- your renewable energy or alternative power source, such as PV panels, wind turbines, hydro turbines, or even a backup diesel generator. Different sites have varying amounts of solar radiation or other potential renewable energy resources.
Batteries -- these store energy for use when the sun isn't shining or the wind isn't blowing. Deep-cycle lead acid cells are the best chemistry for large stationary battery banks. Flooded batteries are the best value but require vented enclosures and regular maintenance. Sealed batteries don't need maintenance but are more expensive.
Loads -- a fancy word for the stuff you actually want to plug in. Lights, refrigerators, pumps, computers, cell phone chargers, radios, etc. The scale and cost of an off-grid solar electric system is completely dependent on the loads that the system is designed to power, so always choose the highest efficiency lights and appliances available.
The SOLAR NEXUS, or power center. This is the set of electrical components that route, convert and manage the power moving between the other three parts. Our pre-wired SolarNexus power centers contain the highest quality components available and are designed for performance, ease of installation, and durability for a long service life.
Next: take a look at the SolarNexus power center.
