Typical Small System Design
Solar Nexus International designs and delivers complete off-grid solar PV systems at a variety of scales. Our systems convert sunlight into electricity for charging batteries and powering specific "loads". From pico-scale (personal lighting and cell phone charging) to solar home systems (SHS) and institutional-scale systems for lighting and ICT, to high-power industrial and mini-grid hybrid power systems, Solar Nexus delivers high-quality, durable, safe off-grid power to where it is needed most.
The size and type of the "load" is the most important factor in determining the size and type of the system you'll need. We have tried to simplify the design and installation of off-grid solar PV systems by reducing the number of primary components into four main parts:
- The LOAD - the lights, appliances, tools you need to power
- The CHARGING SOURCE - photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind generator or microhydro turbine
- The BATTERIES - where your electricity will be stored (sealed or flooded lead acid)
- The NEXUS - the pre-wired power center
The Power Center Advantage
Solar Nexus Power Center
Prototype 300W AC System.
With the addition of a properly sized photovoltaic (PV) array and deep-cycle battery, the SolarNexus is the central wiring ‘hub’ of a complete off-grid solar electric system.
We first envisioned the pre-wired Power Center idea after a tour of solar installations gone wrong in developing countries. As advocates for solar power and the transition to a low-carbon energy future, it was dismaying to find systems that had failed for easily preventable reasons (see Eric Youngren's Shortcut to Failure white paper). Poor installation was giving solar a bad name! Solar Nexus International’s pre-integrated PV systems solve many of the problems we saw in those "spaghetti solar" installations:
We Supply Complete Systems
All wiring and components are included. There is no need to find local sources for components or wiring materials which are often inappropriate for solar PV use or simply unavailable. Having all the parts included with the package reduces installers’ tendency to cut corners through selection of undersized and/or poor quality materials or omitting some parts altogether (such as PV combiners, fuses, grounding and lightning protection).
Our Systems are Pre-Engineered
System packages are professionally designed and engineered to standard specifications. Components are selected to work well with each other and to endure for the life of the system. There are no weak links that can cause system failure due to improper design. Proper engineering produces systems that can perform well in a wide range of site-specific environmental conditions.
Installation is Faster and Easier
Pre-wired SolarNexus power centers greatly simplify charge controller and inverter installation. Standardized installation techniques and materials for PV arrays, batteries and loads allow installers to work more efficiently and quickly.
Improved Safety and Control
Pre-wired DC and AC rated circuit breakers provide overcurrent/short circuit protection for electronics and batteries as well as convenient means of disconnect for control of system as well as service and maintenance.
The Power Centers are Rugged and Attractive
The powder-coated steel SolarNexus enclosures protect wiring connections and electronics from tampering and environmental effects including dust, insects and moisture.
Variety of Metering Options
Volt, Ampere and Amp-Hour metering provide for improved user interaction with the system through better awareness of system status and performance.
Education
Education and training of a new generation of solar entrepreneurs is a key element to SNI’s outreach and marketing strategy. Our aim is to advance the quality and professionalism of the solar power industry by improving the quality of systems being installed and the knowledge base of solar dealers and technicians. Our installer training and certification programs help ensure that our PV systems are installed to the “best practices” standard of quality, safety and durability practiced in the United States.