Solar panels in the country. Solar battery for giving: features of buying and installing ready-made kits Solar battery for giving kit

In the modern world, a person can no longer imagine his life without the use of electrical energy. In addition to the standard methods of obtaining electrical power, there are alternative ones. Using solar panels in the country, you can provide constant lighting, power any household electrical appliances, some types of garden equipment, and much more. The resulting energy will be absolutely free and practically uninterrupted.

To choose the right solar battery (SB), you need to know how it works, because many ordinary users (without special education) believe that solar panels are some kind of element that can store solar energy.

Scheme for generating electricity using the sun

In fact, the conversion of sunlight that hit the surface of the battery into electric current is a rather complicated process. A solar module is a crystalline (silicon or gallium) plate that converts the energy of a light flux into an electric current due to physical and chemical properties and processes.

From the solar module, electricity flows through the wires into the storage battery (AB), feeding it. The total battery charge is determined by the controller. In operating mode, current flows from the battery to the inverter, and from it to electrical appliances and lighting. There is also a standby mode in this process, when charging has already been completed, and the inverter has not yet been turned on (for example, people are sleeping or have gone to visit).

The main elements of the SB:

• Solar module. Depending on the version, it produces a voltage of 6-40 volts. At home, modules are usually used for 12 or 18 volts, less often for 24 or more.
• The charge level regulator (controller) is necessary for the timely transition of the device from the charging mode to the standby or work state. Compliance with these modes can significantly increase the service life of batteries.
• Batteries are a storage element that for some time is able to store the energy received from solar modules.
• An inverter is a device that converts direct current into alternating current, which is necessary to power many household electrical appliances.

Layout of solar panels

For reliable and uninterrupted operation, it is necessary to add additional elements to the circuit described above to ensure the trouble-free operation of the solar module, battery and inverter.

• Protective devices (breakers, relays) are a necessary element for the safe use of the battery and its components.
• Automation - a set of system elements that switch the electrical system of the house from the SB-power supply to the conventional (city) power grid, in the event of malfunctions, and vice versa, when they are eliminated. All elements of the "solar" network (in this case) go into standby mode.

Solar batteries are made from different materials and come in different types. The total power of one module for household needs (depending on the size) is 10-350 watts.

To calculate the required number of cells, they take the average value that any battery should provide in cloudy weather - 80-100 W / sq. m.

If you completely cover the house with a roof area of ​​​​100 square meters. m, then the average power will be:

100 * 100 \u003d 10000 W \u003d 10 kW,

which is enough for the operation of all electrical appliances.

Solar panels on the roof

But in everyday life, only three types of silicon SBs are used:

1. Monocrystalline.
2. Polycrystalline.
3. Thin film.

Let's consider each of them.

Monocrystalline modules

Homogeneous silicon crystals are used for manufacturing. The special conditions created during cultivation determine their high quality, as well as the reliability and efficiency of the SB itself.

Monocrystalline modules

The price for them is high (compared to others), and the installation of the device and subsequent operation sometimes cause difficulties. Care must be taken when cleaning the plates. The slightest pressure and they can crack.

Such SBs are often polluted and their efficiency drops. Efficient use can be arranged if you have sufficient cleanup funds or if you use such a system as a temporary reserve.

Silicon modules using polycrystals (polycrystalline)

The performance of modules of this type is low due to the fact that materials of lower quality are used to create them. As a result, polycrystalline modules have an efficiency 5-10% less than monocrystalline ones.

But they stand up to cleaning freely. Due to the polycrystalline structure, it is quite difficult to damage them.

Thin Film Modules

Their manufacture is made from silicon (amorphous) or from other materials that have in their composition the impurities necessary for the conversion process.

Thin Film Modules

The purchase and operation of modules of this type have their positive and negative sides.

• little weight;
• easy transportation and installation;
• low cost;
• design flexibility.

• low efficiency (10-12%);
• short period of use.

It is advisable that you look for a SB installation specialist. You can find out about it in the store where you make a purchase or on the global network. If you do the installation yourself, you need to know a few features of the operation of such equipment.

Installation of solar panels

Mounting batteries in your country house is best and easiest on the roof of the house. This is the largest area, but there are several nuances:

1. Installation is best done where the rays will illuminate the battery at an angle of 90 0 most of the day.

1. When installing the SB yourself, remember that for the best result (maximum efficiency), the batteries in the summer are located at 40-45 degrees to the horizon with a south direction

Correct location of batteries

With inaccurate placement, the rays of the daylight fall on the surface of the module at the wrong angle, which significantly reduces their power.

1. To maintain constant efficiency, the batteries must be mounted on special swivel brackets.

This is necessary so that in different seasons you can change the angle of inclination. After all, in winter the sun is much lower than in the rest of the year.

Ideally, it is desirable that even during the day, the batteries are turned to the star at an angle of 90 0 . Indeed, in a stationary position, the SB will give full power when the sun is at its zenith. And when the sun rises or sets, the efficiency will be low.

Solar mounts

To eliminate this shortcoming, a special servomechanism with photocells and automation is required (you can buy or write out through the global network). This system, in fact, will "follow" the sun and turn the SB to the desired angle.

She works like this.

To the electric motors that move the SB, a circuit with a photocell is connected, tuned to a certain level of illumination. As soon as the amount of light changes (the sun is “out”, the cloud), the device commands the motors, and they rotate until the photocell illumination level reaches the desired value.

Such a device can be made by hand. One of the options can be seen in the video:

In this design, the angle of inclination of the batteries (depending on the height of the sun above the ground) is changed using a pump and pistons, and tracking the movement of the sun during the day is carried out by a separate (for each module) motor.

Home heating (if you do not have a gas pipeline) can be completely electric. This can be done with solar modules if they cover a large area.

And there are two options for such heating:

1. Immediate. Heating devices (tile, heater, etc.) are directly connected to the power source.
2. Indirect heating, for example, water. In the electric boiler, a liquid boils, which, passing through the pipes, heats them up and distributes heat (with the help of a pump) to all rooms.

The first option is considered effective. Its advantages are in the absence of pipes, efficiency and ease of operation.

Heating a private house with solar panels

Among the shortcomings, rapid cooling and high energy consumption are distinguished, because the devices must be turned on at full power all the time (1-3 kW in each room).

The second option is much more expensive, but has many positive qualities:

1. Low electricity consumption. The supply of the main amount of energy is needed only at the very beginning - when the liquid is heated.
2. Most of the time, only one small pump with a power of 0.3-1 kW works.
3. Large heat capacity.

Of the shortcomings:

• costs for the boiler, pipes, connecting elements;
• payment for installation plumbing work;
• difficulties in installation and connection.

Heating scheme with the participation of solar panels and a gas boiler

From the above, it can be found out that the SB with an area of ​​\u200b\u200bless than 70 square meters. m will not be able to fully heat all the rooms if you have direct heating devices installed - there is simply not enough energy. But it may well be enough for the second (water) option.

The positive features include:

• Free electrical energy (excluding start-up investments) and the possibility of complete autonomy.
• An endless source of energy.
• Absolutely silent process of receiving energy.
• When choosing high-quality equipment - long years of operation (without expensive maintenance).
• The absence of any documents for permission to install or use.
• Do-it-yourself installation is possible.

In winter, batteries work less efficiently due to shorter daylight hours.

Negative features include:

• High cost of equipment.
• In areas and regions where the sun rarely shines and there are many cloudy days, the equipment will not work efficiently.
• Productivity (as a percentage) decreases by 1-2% every year.

The feasibility of installing solar panels

In order to effectively and profitably invest your own funds, you need to decide in advance what goals you are pursuing.

If your area experiences frequent but short-term power outages and you want to get a backup, this is not the best solution.

Installing a solar battery is quite expensive, therefore, its purchase should be carried out only in case of long-term power outages or in the absence of it.

Factors that may affect the purchase of solar panels

• The need for autonomy or the desire to use clean energy production.
• The need for a backup source in case of frequent outages or complete absence of electricity
• Desire to reduce utility bills.

If you still want to install batteries, then you need to involve energy specialists in order to calculate your average daily and average monthly electricity consumption. And only after that, taking into account your needs, decide whether to spend money on acquiring SB or not.

This system allows you to enjoy the benefits of civilization in the form of electricity in places remote from urban power grids. This kit is widely used by tourists to light the tent and charge "gadgets". ..

The set of equipment is a small solar autonomous power plant capable of solving the problem of lack of electricity in a summer cottage or other suburban facility. An autonomous power plant is not a panacea for a lack of electricity, but it is ready to provide, within a reasonable framework of electricity consumption, such objects as: a country house, construction trailers, mobile motorhomes, etc. An autonomous power plant is built on the principle of generating energy by a solar module, followed by battery charging using a special MPPT charge controller. A small voltage inverter with a power of up to 250..

The set of equipment is a small solar autonomous power plant capable of solving the problem of lack of electricity in a summer cottage or other suburban facility. An autonomous power plant is not a panacea for a lack of electricity, but it is ready to provide, within a reasonable framework of electricity consumption, such objects as: a country house, construction trailers, mobile motorhomes, etc. An autonomous power plant is built on the principle of generating energy by a solar module, followed by battery charging using a special MPPT charge controller. A small voltage inverter with a power of up to 250..

The set of equipment is a small solar autonomous power plant capable of solving the problem of lack of electricity in a summer cottage or other suburban facility. An autonomous power plant is not a panacea for a lack of electricity, but it is ready to provide, within a reasonable framework of electricity consumption, such objects as: a country house, construction trailers, mobile motorhomes, etc. An autonomous power plant is built on the principle of generating energy by a solar module, followed by battery charging using a special MPPT charge controller. A small voltage inverter with a power of up to 250..

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The "Reserve for Home 2" kit is designed for uninterrupted power supply of vital electrical appliances in the house, such as: boiler room, lighting, refrigerator, water supply pump, water purification system, septic tank and other electrical appliances. Battery life depends on the power of the connected electrical equipment. Calculate the operating time You can divide the energy reserve by the power of the connected equipment. For example, the total power of your electrical appliances is 500 W: accordingly, the battery life of such an uninterrupted system will be - 2.5 kW * h / 0.5 kW = 5 h. If you have a smaller capacity connected, then increase the operating time.

The "Reserve for Home 1" system is designed for uninterrupted power supply of vital electrical appliances in the house, such as: boiler room, lighting, refrigerator, septic tank, etc. low-power electrical appliances. The battery life depends on the power of the connected electrical equipment. You can calculate the operating time by dividing the energy reserve by the power of the connected equipment. For example, the total power of your electrical appliances is 300 W: accordingly, the battery life of such an uninterrupted system will be - 3 kW * h / 0.3 kW = 10 h. If you have a smaller capacity connected, then the operating time will increase, and vice versa.

The "Reserve for Home 3" set is designed for uninterrupted power supply of vital electrical appliances in the house, such as: boiler room, lighting, refrigerator, septic tank, etc. low-power electrical appliances. The battery life depends on the power of the connected electrical equipment. You can calculate the operating time by dividing the energy reserve by the power of the connected equipment. For example, the total power of your electrical appliances is 500W: accordingly, the battery life of such an uninterrupted system will be - 4kW*h/0.5kW=8h.

The "Reserve for Home 4" system is designed for uninterrupted power supply of vital electrical appliances in the house, such as: boiler room, lighting, refrigerator, water supply pump, water purification system, septic tank and other electrical appliances. The battery life depends on the power of the connected electrical equipment. Calculate the operating time You can divide the energy reserve by the power of the connected equipment. For example, the total power of your electrical appliances is 500 W: accordingly, the battery life of such an uninterrupted system will be - 4 kW * h / 0.5 kW = 8 h. If you have a smaller capacity connected, then the operating time will increase.

The "Reserve for Home 5" system is designed for uninterrupted power supply of vital electrical appliances in the house, such as: boiler room, lighting, refrigerator, septic tank, etc. The battery life depends on the power of the connected electrical equipment. connected equipment. For example, the total power of your electrical appliances is 500W: accordingly, the battery life of such an uninterrupted system will be - 4kW*h/0.5kW=8h. Compound..

The dacha, as a place for growing vegetables, is gradually becoming a thing of the past, areas with lawns and flowers are more often visible. Houses are designed for rest and life in the warm season. Modern man is not enough one light bulb. Refrigerators, water heaters, TVs, laptops, cell phone chargers - it's hard to imagine a full life without them.

Electrical appliances of classes A and AA are superior in energy efficiency to previously produced products. Solar systems are able to ensure the uninterrupted operation of electrical equipment.

solar system

The feasibility of using solar panels in the country

The high cost of the kit limits the use in places of permanent residence of people. Here, solar panels are purchased to save on electricity bills.

The dacha, as a rule, is not equipped with a large set of energy-intensive devices. Based on this, to create comfortable conditions, it is worth taking a closer look at autonomous power generation systems.

A non-alternative solar station will be in places where there is a complete absence of centralized power networks. Power plants operating with internal combustion engines are expensive to acquire and in terms of energy purchases.

Frequent outages in worn-out electrical networks of suburban communities are a common reason for the failure of electrical appliances.

use of solar panels

Expert opinion

Alexey Bartosh

Specialist in the repair, maintenance of electrical equipment and industrial electronics.

Ask an expert

The cost of solar systems is gradually decreasing, they are becoming an "interesting" option. Buying solar panels is not enough. Energy is generated only during daylight hours, so the kit includes an inverter, battery, charge controller.

Consider the purpose and design of the necessary equipment.

Pros and cons of solar panels

Before buying a solar system in a country house, you need to understand the advantages and disadvantages that a solar power plant has.

Main advantages:

1. Inexhaustibility and availability anywhere in the world. In one way or another, the sun shines everywhere. In this aspect, only the amount of radiation is considered depending on the location and time of year when it is planned to use the power plant. The generated electricity directly depends on the number of sunny days and their duration, as well as on the angle of the sun above the horizon.
2. Environmental friendliness. Electricity is generated without burning energy carriers. Deep processing of used batteries and other components does not lead to environmental pollution.

solar panels are environmentally friendly

Electricity generation is not accompanied by noise (like windmills);

1. The service life of the station components is designed for the full life of the plant - an average of 25 years. Further, the efficiency of batteries decreases. The solar energy industry continues to develop rapidly, and the cost of components is falling sharply, no one will say what their price will be in 25 years, but certainly much less than today.
2. Independence from electricity suppliers. The house will not be disconnected from the power supply.
3. After the equipment pays for itself, electricity will be free.
4. The modular principle of building the system allows it to be expanded without any re-equipment.
5. Independence from prices for other energy sources (gasoline, diesel, gas), they are not used in the operation of solar panels.

The advantages of solar systems are somewhat reduced by their disadvantages:

1. Initial investment, it is better to apply this definition when purchasing equipment. The payback time directly depends on the intensity of use of the system, and the parameters of solar irradiation at the installation site.
2. Relatively low panel efficiency. On average, one square meter of elements generates 120 W per hour, if calculated from the level of solar energy - this is only 10-15%. However, manufacturers regularly announce an increase in this indicator through the use of new technologies.
3. Weather dependent. The highest efficiency is obtained on a sunny, cloudless day. You can estimate the number of active hours of sunshine using special tables for each locality.
4. It is difficult to use a solar station to power energy-intensive devices - welding, perforators, heaters.
5. The composition of the system is not limited to the presence of panels. Requires a battery to operate at night. Its capacity should be enough to provide lighting for the house, turn on the LED street lamp. For the battery to work properly, you will need to purchase a high-quality charge controller. An inverter is needed to convert a DC voltage of 12.24 V into a sinusoidal stabilized voltage of 220 V.

What can be connected to the solar battery

Before choosing a solar system, it is worth deciding how many kilowatts of energy the connected equipment will consume.

Household electrical appliances consume in Watts:

• An incandescent lamp consumes 40–75 W / h, so their use in solar systems is unprofitable.
• Energy-saving lamp - 15-25.
• An LED light bulb equivalent to a 100W incandescent lamp is 11.
• Refrigerator - it all depends on the energy class of the device. It is designated by letters of the Latin alphabet from A to G. For class AA ++, the average annual consumption will be less than 70 W / h for class G - 0.6 kW.
• TV LED - 70.
• TV LCD (LCD) - 150-200.
• Iron - 2000.
• Microwave oven - 1000.
• Computer - 250.
• Dishwasher - 2500.
• Washing machine - 2500.
• Electric kettle - 2000.
• Air conditioning - 2500.

Thus, it is clear that powerful electrical appliances cannot be powered directly from solar panels; high-capacity batteries and corresponding inverters are needed.

Solar battery operation

Types of solar systems

Solar cells consist of thin silicon wafers (mono- and polycrystalline) or a substrate coated with a very thin layer of silane or silicon hydrogen (amphoric), in which the energy of the sun's rays is converted into electrical energy.

The design of the devices has a different structure, and, accordingly, a different efficiency.

According to the method of manufacture, they distinguish:

• Monocrystalline.
• Polycrystalline.
• from amorphous silicon.

Monocrystalline batteries

Black monocrystalline panels with beveled corners. The efficiency for such products is 15–25%. The best performance is achieved when the plates turn towards the Sun. On cloudy days, mornings and evenings, when less solar energy hits the panel, power generation is reduced. To improve the operational properties, adjustment is used, orientation in space in the direction of sunlight.

Monocrystalline batteries

Polycrystalline batteries

You can recognize this species by the dark blue color of the surface. The efficiency reaches 12–15%. Accordingly, to obtain a power comparable to single-crystal models, a large surface area is required, but the price of products is lower. The principle of operation allows polycrystalline panels to work on a cloudy day.

Polycrystalline batteries

Amorphous silicon batteries

Compared to previous types, amorphous solar systems are cheap. They are made in the form of a flexible blue film protected by a special transparent coating. The efficiency of products reaches only 6%. They are less durable - the resource of the silicon layer is quickly developed, but they successfully work in areas with high cloudiness, converting even diffused light into electricity.

What is included

A solar battery is used for giving, the kit of which includes several functional elements.

Panels. Their type, quantity and generated power can be selected depending on the electrical equipment installed in the country house.

Batteries are necessary for the accumulation of energy and for it when connecting powerful consumers and at night.

The purpose of the inverter is described above. The output power must correspond to the sum of the power of the devices used.

The charge controller increases the life of the batteries, some types are capable of exploding when overcharged.

Amorphous silicon batteries

Who Should Consider Solar Panels?

Summarizing the above, we understand that the installation of solar power plants justifies its purpose in places:

• Where it is not possible to connect to a centralized power grid.
• In the event of a large deterioration of networks, where specialized services cannot guarantee a constant high-quality energy supply.
• In the southern regions, where the flow of solar energy during the year is maximum.
• In the highlands, there is the largest number of sunny cloudless days.

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Electricity is an essential component for a comfortable life. In the city, all residents have uninterrupted access to the power grid. However, when leaving the city, for example, to the country, you need to be prepared for various incidents related to electricity. So, some people lose it for a few days. This trouble can be solved by installing solar panels, which will supply the country house with electricity around the clock. However, a solar battery for giving a set of which consists of many components has its pros and cons. Let's find out what is included in the set of country solar panels, the principle of operation of the device, the advantages and disadvantages of solving their installation.

Solar panels installed on a country house

A solar battery is not a single device, as many people think, but several parts that together allow you to convert solar energy into electrical energy.

Consider what a solar battery for a summer residence consists of:

• Panels, they are also batteries - the main element of the device. Their main function is the accumulation and transformation of sunlight. The panels are made from photovoltaic cells that can hold ultraviolet rays in the battery for a long time until the inverter converts solar energy;

• The inverter is also an integral part of the kit. Its task is to convert the rays of the sun into alternating current with a voltage of 220 V;

• The battery is necessary if you are overtaken by a sudden power outage, and the sun has gone behind the clouds. Modern innovative technologies make it possible to use solar panels for their intended purpose, even if there is no sun. The battery accumulates excess sunlight and transfers it to the inverter if the panels cannot receive sunlight;

• Wires and connectors - connect all of the above elements to each other. If they fray or deteriorate, they will have to be replaced immediately, as their damage will lead to a breakdown in the power supply system.

As a rule, all these components are sold together. They can be purchased in specialized stores.

Video: general information about solar panels

Related article:

Working principle of solar panel

As mentioned above, a solar kit for a summer house consists of four components, the main one being the panel. It is made from solar cells. In turn, a photocell is a modified grain of sand that heats up under the influence of sunlight. Interacting with a thin layer of phosphorus, solar cells conduct solar energy to the inverter.

How does an inverter work?

An inverter is a special device that operates under a certain voltage (from 150 to 1000 V). It generates solar energy, which is already partially processed by the panel, into electrical energy. Surplus electricity that is not used by the inhabitants of the house is sent to the battery. There they accumulate in case there are power outages.

Advantages and disadvantages of solar panels

First, consider the advantages of installing this design:

• Significant money savings on electricity costs. Your family will consume much less electricity from the network, due to which payments for electricity will be significantly reduced;
• Independence from the operation of the power plant. If in the city the light is rarely turned off for a long time, then in summer cottages the lack of electricity for 1-2 days is a normal phenomenon. However, with solar panels, you will have light despite the operation of the power plant;
• Durability. All structural elements are made of reliable metal alloys, the sand is heated to a maximum temperature until it becomes as hard as steel. Experts point out that solar panels go without maintenance for decades;
• Allows you to keep the atmosphere clean. Power plants cause irreparable damage to the environment, while solar panels are an environmentally friendly device that does not affect the environment in any way.

The disadvantages include the following points:

• Uninterrupted access to electricity is not always possible. In summer, the use of solar panels is quite advisable, while in winter the device is unlikely to be effective. However, given that living in country houses most often occurs on summer days, this minus can be ignored;
• High price. As a rule, it is impossible to gradually pay tens of thousands of rubles for a structure - you need to lay out the entire amount at once. This is not possible for some families.

Now that you know what the advantages and disadvantages of solar panels for summer cottages are, you can weigh the pros and cons and make the right decision.

Calculation of consumed energy and payback

An approximate calculation of the energy consumed is presented in the following photo:

What to do if there is no electricity in the country for some reason? You can, of course, adapt to such a life, enjoying time-tested technologies: use candles and a kerosene lamp for lighting, dig a cellar to store food, carry water in buckets and heat it on fire, refuse TV, etc. However, such a “rest” is unlikely to be truly comfortable: sooner or later, you will still have to look for ways to generate electricity using alternative energy sources.

Most often, this is thought about in the following cases:

• it is not possible to connect a country or country house to the mains;
• connecting to the mains is unreasonably expensive;
• accidents constantly occur at the substation, due to which there is no electricity for a long time;
• too little power has been allocated to the site and it is constantly lacking (usually this happens in garden partnerships with old electrical networks);
• I want to save on excessively high electricity bills.

The simplest and most affordable alternative energy source is solar panels. Silicon-based photovoltaic cells, connected in an electrical circuit to convert sunlight energy into electrical energy, were invented in the United States and began to be used on American and Soviet space satellites as early as 1958. Nowadays, portable equipment (calculators, thermometers, flashlights), spacecraft, electric cars and yachts work for them, even an aircraft is being developed that will fly using energy received from solar panels.

Large solar power plants have been set up in many countries, and the French government plans to lay 1,000 km of roads with built-in solar panels so that every kilometer of such coverage provides electricity to 5,000 people (excluding heating). Solar panels have even found application in medicine: in South Korea, tiny photocells are implanted into the skin of a patient to ensure the smooth operation of implanted devices, such as a pacemaker. Such a long experience and widespread use of solar cells testifies to the reliability, economy and high efficiency of this technology.

In this article I will talk about my own experience of using solar panels in the country. First of all, it should be noted that in order to meet the needs of a small country house for electricity, it is required to assemble a whole mini-power plant, which, in addition to the solar panels themselves, includes batteries for charging, a controller for controlling the system and an inverter for converting direct current into alternating current.

Solar panels for giving

Solar batteries (solar panels) of domestic, European and Chinese production are presented on the Russian market. Domestic solar panels are installed at our dacha - we bought them directly from the manufacturer in Zelenograd. There are several specialized companies in Moscow that offer both individual elements for self-installation of a solar mini-power plant, and a complete set of necessary equipment with delivery and turnkey installation. The specialists of these companies give professional advice and consultations, calculate the required capacity and composition of the system for each client.

Solar panels have an unlimited lifespan. They produce 12V direct current. Depending on the size of the panel, there are different capacities. To assemble an autonomous solar mini-power plant, you need to purchase several solar panels. The exact number of batteries (more precisely, their required power) is calculated based on the potential power consumption you need. On sunny summer days, the efficiency of the panels is maximum. In cloudy weather, the panels also generate electricity, but in a smaller amount. This must be taken into account when calculating the power of the system, if you plan to use it not only in summer, but also in winter.

Deep cycle batteries

The electrical energy produced by solar panels is stored in batteries. For efficient operation of the system, it is best to use special deep-cycle gel batteries that do not require special maintenance, are sealed and safe to install inside the house. For a small country house with minimal power consumption, at least 3-4 batteries with a capacity of 100-120 Ah each are required. They are reliable, durable and withstand many charge and deep discharge cycles.

Battery charge controller

A controller is installed between the solar panels that generate electricity and the batteries that store this energy. Controllers vary in specifications and cost. Oddly enough, this is the most important control element of a solar mini-power plant: the controller protects the batteries from full discharge and from overcharging, which are very dangerous for them. In the event of an unacceptably low battery discharge, the controller disconnects the load. In the event that the batteries are fully charged, the controller does not allow energy from the solar panels to flow into the batteries.

inverter

Solar panels generate 12V DC, while most electrical appliances run on 220V AC. Therefore, an inverter is included in the solar mini-power plant system, which converts direct current 12V into alternating current 220V. It is best to use more expensive inverters that produce a so-called pure sine wave (“pure sine”) current. Cheaper inverters that generate a modified sine wave current may not be suitable for some equipment.

Electricity consumers

As a rule, in all solar mini-power plants, separate sockets are installed for devices (consumers) operating from direct (12V) and alternating current (220V). DC power can power energy-saving lighting fixtures, water pumps, refrigerators, and even televisions. All other equipment requires alternating current with a voltage of 220V. Whenever possible, choose equipment that consumes as little electricity as possible - in today's home appliance market there is a huge selection of such energy-saving devices.

Own experience and impressions

At our dacha, a small system of solar panels worked successfully for several years, until it became possible to connect to the general electrical grid. Of course, when, after installing solar panels, we were able to turn on the normal light, refrigerator, water pump, antenna and TV, it was just a miracle.

However, the system must be constantly monitored and maintained in the correct, operable condition. For example, contacts at the junction of wires from solar panels with a charge controller periodically oxidize and cease to carry out a charge in a quality manner. Therefore, they must be periodically cleaned and reconnected. If this is not done, then the charge from the batteries is not completely supplied to the batteries, the mini-power plant accumulates a smaller supply of electricity than expected, and when the normal (calculated for it) load is turned on, it can no longer cope: the discharge rate becomes faster than the charge rate. In addition, if the system is budgetary and not very powerful, it is necessary to understand very clearly which electrical appliances can be turned on at the same time and which cannot.

While my husband and I had the opportunity to often go to the country and monitor the solar panels, everything worked well and there were no problems. But when the responsibility of maintaining the system fell on the shoulders of our elderly parents, problems began with its functioning, because they lacked knowledge and experience. As a result, it was decided to take advantage of the opportunity to connect to the regular power grid, so as not to burden them with unnecessary worries.

Based on our experience, I can say that it is quite possible to assemble a fairly budgetary autonomous solar-powered mini-power plant. And it will really work reliably and efficiently, providing the basic needs of a small country house. However, to maintain it in good condition, you need to carefully study the issue and periodically carry out its diagnosis and prevention.