Off the Grid Sustainable Housing Options
Common Technologies for Off-Grid Living/ Solar Technology
How do off-grid systems work? Solar collectors are connected to a controller which is connected to a battery pack to store the energy which is connected to a homes circuit panel where the energy is distributed.
1) The Photovoltaic Array
Solar photovoltaic modules are mounted on a roof or ground mount where they are nicely exposed to the sun.
2) Array Combiner
Here the wiring for the strings of modules are combined into one common wire before going to the DC disconnect. Fuses or breakers for the individual strings are found here.
3) Array DC Disconnect
The main disconnect for the photovoltaic array. Basically just a big switch.
4) Charge Controller
The charge controller accepts the voltage and current from the solar array
and modifies it so as to appropriately charge the batteries.
5) Battery bank
Flooded lead acid, Gel lead acid, or AGM batteries are typically used as
a large storage bank of electricity. Generally 24 or 48VDC for bigger
systems,12VDC for smaller systems.
6) Battery DC Disconnect
The main disconnect for the battery bank. Basically just a big switch.
7) Inverter / Charger
The inverter/charger converts excess DC power stored in the batteries
to AC electricity and feeds it into the house.
8) Home Mains Panel
Where the power from the grid is split up between all of the different loads
for the home. The inverter feeds electricity into the mains panel through a
couple of breakers. This electricity goes wherever it is needed.
9) Generator
A generator can be a useful tool to keep the cost of an off grid system down.
