A GUIDE TO HELP YOU MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION ABOUT SWITCHING TO SOLAR POWER FOR YOUR HOME OR OFFICES.
In this guide, we will be using common terms you are familiar with, to explain all solar terms to give you a quick grasp at the content:
This guide was put together because of the little or no knowledge about solar energy we get from our conversations with clients and from our marketer’s feedback.
WHAT IS A SOLAR ENERGY?
Solar energy is the energy gotten from the sunlight.
HOW CAN I GET THIS ENERGY?
You can get it by installing SOLAR PANELS on the roof so that when the sun shines, the solar panel helps convert that light from the sun into Energy or Current.
HOW DO I STORE THIS ENERGY FOR USE IN THE HOUSE/OFFICE?
This is where a BATTERY is introduced to store this energy/current that is gotten from the sun for home use.
SINCE BATTERIES HAVE A SPECIFIC CAPACITY OF CURRENT IT CAN STORE, HOW DO I MAKE SURE THE BATTERY IS NOT OVER CHARGED OR UNDER CHARGED FROM THE EXCESS ENERGY FROM THE SUN?
A SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER is the device that takes care of all this functions. Solar charge controllers regulate the energy flowing from the solar panels and transfers it directly to the battery in the most efficient and effective manner.
HOW CAN I USE THE STORED CURRENT IN THE BATTERY TO POWER MY HOUSE APPLIANCES?
An INVERTER converts the current stored in the batteries making it fit for home/office use (bulbs, Fans, TV, Laptops, Microwave, Air Conditioners etc) and can also charge the batteries directly from Grid Electricity (NEPA).
MISCONCEPTIONS WITH INVERTERS: There is this common connection I find in some houses which consist of just an inverter and batteries. In this case, the inverter charges tne battery directly from Grid Electridty (NEPA) and converts the stored current in the battery for use in the house when needed. This is not a Solar System; this is a Battery Backup System.
From the above, you will notice that a Complete Solar System consists of:
Solar Panels!
Batteries!
Solar Charge Controller(s)!
and Inverter(s).
NEXT: I will be showing you how to determine the size/capacity you need for each of these components.
Solar Inverter
Solar Panels
Solar Charge Controllers
