There are 5 main components to an
off-grid solar electric system:
Solar
Panels Also referred to as PV panels or modules. PV is short
for photo-voltaic (“light-powered”). A group of
PV panels is called an array.
Mounting Rack
This is a metal support structure that holds an array of solar
panels in a tilted position facing the sun. Some even track
the sun. Charge Controller
This is the brain of a solar system, both monitoring and managing
the electricity between the PV panels and the batteries.
Batteries
Also called a “battery bank,” a group of batteries
acts just like a Solar Power Bank Account: you deposit solar
energy generated during daylight hours and withdraw it throughout
the day as needed.
Inverter An inverter accepts solar-battery power on one side
and then emits AC power that is similar to utility power and
is necessary to run most home appliances.
Batteries
are a required part of any solar electric system that is NOT
connected to the power grid. They are ideal for for providing
small amounts of power over long periods of time. Generators
are ideal for large amounts of power when needed for a short
time period. We recommend having a generator as back-up for
most off-grid solar electric system applications.
