The electricity generated by Solar Systems is DC in nature while most of our household loads require AC power.

DC-AC Inverter: A DC-AC solar inverter (or just a ‘solar inverter’) is a power electronics device which is used to convert Direct Current to Alternating Current.

In order to provide electricity during these periods, excess energy, during day, is stored in these battery banks and is used to power loads whenever required. Evenings, nights and cloudy days are examples of such situations beyond our control.

Battery Bank: There may be periods when there is no sunlight.

The charge controller protects the battery bank from overcharging. As it determines the efficiency of the entire solar system as well as the operating life of the batteries, it is a critical component.

Charge Controller: A charge controller determines how much current should be injected into the batteries for its most optimum performance.

Whenever sunlight falls upon these panels, these generate electricity which feeds the batteries.

PV Panel: This is used to convert solar energy to electrical energy.

The following Picture shows the typical Off-grid solar system somponents: Off-grid solar system components Here are the functions of each solar system component: Off-Grid solar system components explained

A backup Generator or a Backup Source of power.

Optional components Off-Grid solar systemĭepending upon your needs, there may be other components that you require. For this system to work, you need a load connected to the batteries. Instead of a grid-tied solar inverter, you can use a standard power inverter or off-grid solar inverter to power your AC appliances. Components needed for an Off-Grid solar systemĪn Off-Grid solar system is slightly more complicated and needs the following additional components:

A grid-tied solar system consists of the following components:įor this system to function well, you need a connection to the grid. Components needed for a grid-tied solar systemĮvery solar system needs similar components to start with. This article explains solar system components in detail.

For a typical off-grid solar system you need solar panels, charge controller, batteries and an inverter.

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