An Off-Grid Solar system has four main parts; the solar array, the battery bank, a backup generator, and the home/business AC power loads. Follow along in the diagram below as the parts are explained.
Unlike a grid tied solar system, an off grid solar array generates low voltage DC electric power. The electric power goes through a charge controller and to the battery bank. The charge controller regulates the voltage and protects the batteries from being over charged. Also between array and the battery bank is a DC disconnect. This device allows the array to be electrically disconnected from the battery bank during maintenance.
When the home/ranch's AC power loads start drawing power, the inverter converts the DC electricity from the battery bank into just the right amount of AC power to meet those demands. During the day the solar array charges the battery bank. The inverter draws from the battery bank when ever AC loads need to be powered. In the summer when the sun is high, the amount of energy from the solar panels can equal the amount of energy drawn by the inverter. In the winter however, when the sun is lower, the amount of energy from the solar array may not be enough to meet the AC demands. The solar energy is most often supplemented with a diesel or propane generator. The generator is tied into the AC side of the inverter, and can power loads as well as charge the battery bank.
It is possible to have a solar array big enough to never need a generator, but it is economically prohibitive. To meet large off-grid winter demands it is more economical to utilize wind, hydro or generators.
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