Solar and wind power systems are made up of interconnected components, each with a specific function. One of the strengths of these systems is modularity. As your needs grow, individual components can be replaced or added to provide increased capacity. Although the selected components will vary depending on the applications, most systems generally have the following components:
Solar Array - The solar array consists of one or more solar panels (PV modules) which convert sunlight into electricity. The modules are connected in series and/or parallel to provide the voltage and current levels to meet your needs. The array is usually mounted on a metal structure and tilted to the sun.
Solar Array Mounting Hardware - The hardware you need to mount your solar panels on the ground, a roof, pole, RV, etc.
Wind Turbines - Wind turbines convert wind into electricity. Like solar panels, they may be connected to provide the voltage and current level to meet your needs. Turbines are usually mounted on a tower, roof, or pole.
Battery Bank - The battery bank contains one or more deep-cycle batteries, connected in series and/or parallel depending on the voltage and current capacity needed. Batteries store the power produced by the solar array and/or wind turbines and discharge it whenever you need it. For battery bank basics, visit our Battery Bank page.
Charge Controller - The charge controller's basic function is to maintain the batteries at the proper charge level, and to protect them from overcharging.
Inverter - An inverter is required when you want to power AC devices. The inverter converts the DC power from the solar array/batteries, into AC power.
Balance of System - These components provide the interconnections and standard safety features required for any electrical power system. These include: array combiner box, properly sized cabling, fuses, switches, circuit breakers, and meters.
AC and DC Loads - These are the appliances (such as lights or radios), and the components (such as water pumps and microwave repeaters), which consume the power generated by your array.
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