model solar system

model solar system

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Installing a DIY solar power system can be a fun project if approached right. There are a few items that you must take into consideration before you start your system install.

Obviously you have planned out your system or you would not be reading this. Consider this to be a short instructional manual for solar panel installation. Your solar panels must face south at a predetermined angle to allow for full sun concentration. The best way to determine ample sun angle is to look at the sun's angle in the wintertime and during the hot summer months. There are available maps from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory who offer all kinds of solar energy information. It is available at their website for free which will help you determine the proper angle for your installation.

There are many ways to mount your panels; one way that I have used is by fastening channel called uni strut to the surface of your roof. The advantage of this type of channel is that it will let you install in either 10 or 20 foot sections. You first mount your channel to your roof or structure making sure that you allow enough space between channels to mount each solar panel. This can be easily done by using hardware compatible to the channel manufacture. This makes for a professional looking installation plus keeps your installation above the roof.

Since you will be adding several panels you need to figure your electrical wiring layout. In a system that I have been working on, I used electrical PVC conduit boxes called T fittings. After installing each channel system of panels I use ¾ inch PVC conduit starting with my first solar panel then placing a T fitting then move on to the next panel with a short piece of conduit then another T fitting. I believe that you see what is happening here, we do one panel at a time.

I recommend that if you are unfamiliar with electrical, I would consult your electrician or have a qualified person do the wiring. Safety first is a model we should all follow. After all the wiring is done on your roof next the wiring goes to your charge controller. The charge controller controls your voltage from your solar array going to your battery bank. It keeps your batteries from over and under charging, maintaining a steady flow of electricity to keep your batteries fully charged.

I highly recommend that you install your battery bank away from your living quarters due to the fact that batteries give off hydrogen gas and are better suited in a small protected shed. When I installed my battery bank, I used a small garden shed in my backyard to house all my equipment except the solar panels. I ran an underground conduit from my house roof to the shed, and I went back in to the house with a conduit.

If this seems somewhat complicated it really is not, taking precautions with batteries is always a must. We have installed our inverter also in the small shed. The inverter changes the battery voltage to usable house voltage to run our chosen electrical items in our house. The size of your inverter depends on the total size of your solar system.

One thing here that I might add, all electrical must be done according to the National Electrical Code, using disconnects where required or fuses to not only protect your system but also anyone who might be working on it. As you can see, installing a DIY solar power system can be easy if you follow certain steps.

For more about building your own alternative energy system visit our website listed below.

Jerry Standefer is owner and author of several alternative energy websites. His websites teach you how to build your own wind turbine, build your own solar panels, and build a solar hot water heater. The main website Earth Power Energy Systems has received many reviews from other energy websites. Sign up at the website for a free energy report entitled "Why Build Your Own Wind and Solar System" Get your copy today! Follow Jerry on Facebook Fan Page and join in on the discussions about alternative energy.

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