| Powering An Off-Grid House: Completing the Solar Installation |
From "Solar Solutions"
episode SLR-101 |
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With the solar array assembled, correctly angled and wired, it's time to connect the exterior wiring to the interior control panels. The solar breaker will first be connected to a circuit breaker disconnect. The energy will flow from the disconnect to a charge controller and then to a battery bank to be stored. When needed, energy flows from the batteries back to the circuit breaker disconnect and from the disconnect to a power inverter (this will change the power from DC to AC). Finally, this converted power will flow into an electric panel -- where it will provide electrical power for the home. - Homeowner Joe Wilson has decided during the installation that he would also like to connect a back-up gas generator and well pump to his new solar system. To handle all this, solar installer Mike Howell recommends the installation of two 240-volt power converters to the right of the main breakers. All of the components -- including the new converters -- must be connected to the home's main electrical system to function. Remember, when performing any electrical work, take all safety precautions. Because of the danger involved, intricate electrical work is often best left to professionals.
- The team runs the electrical cable from the solar array (figure A) into the house through the underground conduit. The cables are tied to nylon rope for easy threading, then pulled through the conduit to inverter panels.
- The cables are connected at the fuse combiner box located at the base of the solar array. The green cable are first connected to the grounding strip. The red cable are connected to the PV out positive terminal block; and the black cable are connected to the PV out negative terminal block.
- To finish the exterior work, Wilson taps a grounding rod into the earth near the array (figure B). The long rod is left extending above the ground about 6".
- The team runs copper grounding wire from the rod to the fuse box, and from the solar panels to the fuse box.
- After the grounding wire is run, Howell makes the proper electrical connections inside. The cables are run from the array to the inverter panel disconnect. Again the red wire is connected to the positive terminal; the green grounding wire is connected to the grounding terminal; and the black wire is connected to the negative terminal.
- The team installs the battery bank in the loft area above the new control panels. First, conduit is run through the ceiling into the inverter panel. Next, two heavy-duty battery cables are fed into the panel disconnect (figure C). The other ends of the cables will be connected to the battery pack.
- The battery system must be installed in a series -- alternating positive and negatives -- and secured into place.
- Final tests are made and the component covers are attached.
The entire system costed about $10,000 installed. For more information on solar power, including product specifications and installation instructions, see Resources below.
RESOURCES :
Solar Living Source Book: The Complete Guide to Renewable Energy Technologies and Sustainable Living
Model: 0916571041
Author: John Schaeffer (Editor), Doug Pratt (Editor)
(Real Goods Solar Living Sourcebook, 11th Ed)
Real Goods
Website: www.realgoods.com
The Solar Electric House: Energy for the Environmentally-Responsive, Energy-Independent Home
ISBN: 0963738321
Author: Steven J. Strong, William G. Scheller
Chelsea Green Publiishing Company
Solar Decathlon
U.S. Department of Energy
Website: www.solardecathlon.org
Solar Buildings
Covers zero-energy building and other solar technologies.
Solar Buildings
Website: www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/
U.S. Department of Energy - Solar Energy
U.S. Department of Energy - Solar Energy
Website: www1.eere.energy.gov/solar
Photovoltaic Panel Installation Guide (BP Solar MST Integra-Mount)
Model: Solar Panel SX-110
BP Solar (Integra-Mount Photovoltaic Panels)
Website: www.bpsolar.com
Solar Panels and Hardware (BP)
Model: SX-110
BP Solar (Solar Panels and Hardware)
Website: www.bpsolar.com
Solar Inverter, Converters and Charge Controllers (Xantrex)
SW Series Solar Installation Guides, Battery Specs for model 2580NC and PV Series
Xantrex
Website: www.xantrex.com
Solar Power Products, Packages and Installation (Atlantic Solar)
Including installation and operation of Sunmate generators.
Atlantic Solar Products
Phone: 410-686-2500
Solar System Design and Installation
Chesapeake Wind & Solar
Website: www.cwsenergy.com
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