In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to create an off-grid electricity generation system using just two batteries and a solar power station.
This system provides a reliable and efficient way to generate electricity using the power of the sun, allowing you to live a sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle.
Whether you’re preparing for a potential emergency situation or simply looking to live off the grid, this setup will allow you to power essential appliances such as a light, laptop, small TV, and fan for several hours without relying on traditional power grids.
STEP 1 : CALCULATING THE COST
To build this off-grid electricity generation system, you will need to purchase a few essential items, most of which can be found at your local store or online retailer like Amazon.
The approximate cost of all the materials required for this project is as follows:
- $150 for a 100W Solar Panel: The solar panel is the main component of this system, and it converts the energy from the sun into usable electrical power. You can purchase a 100W solar panel for around $150, which is a reasonable price for its capacity.
- $75 each for two batteries: You’ll need two deep cycle batteries to store the electrical power generated by the solar panel. These batteries can be purchased from Walmart or any other battery retailer for around $75 each.
- $20 for a 400W Inverter: The inverter is responsible for converting the DC power from the batteries into AC power that can be used to power household appliances. You can find a 400W inverter at Harbor Freight for around $20.
- $40 for the Charge Controller: The charge controller regulates the charging of the batteries by the solar panel and prevents overcharging. A good quality charge controller can be purchased from Fry Electronics for around $40.
STEP 2 : WIRING THE SOLAR PANELS
To begin building your off-grid electricity generation system, the first step is to set up the solar panels outside.
In this example, six one amp panels are used, each with a capacity of 15 watts, resulting in a total of 90 watts of power generated.
Once you have set up the panels, you can connect them to the main connection by joining the six black wires and twisting them tightly to an extension cord wire, and similarly connecting the six red wires together.
You can then feed the connected wires into your home, where they will connect directly to the charge controller.
The charge controller is responsible for regulating the flow of electricity from the solar panels to the batteries and preventing overcharging.
Once the wires from the solar panels are connected to the charge controller, the output wire from the charge controller should be connected to the battery.
This will allow the battery to store the electricity generated by the solar panels for later use.
If you want to expand the system to include two, three, or more batteries, you can use automotive cables to connect them.
To do this, simply connect the positive terminal of one battery to the positive terminal of another, using the cables.
Similarly, connect the negative terminal of one battery to the negative terminal of another, using a black wire.
STEP 3 : CONNECTING THE INVERTER
To power your household appliances using the off-grid electricity generation system you’ve built, you’ll need to connect the inverter to the lead battery in your system.
The inverter is an essential component that converts the DC power stored in the batteries into AC power that can be used by household appliances.
To connect the inverter to the battery, you’ll need to take the clamps provided with the inverter and attach them to the same lead battery.
Ensure that the red clamp is attached to the positive terminal of the battery and the black clamp is attached to the negative terminal.
It’s important to note that you should always connect the inverter to the lead battery in the system to avoid damaging any of the other components.
When connecting components like the inverter, charge controller, or voltmeter to your off-grid electricity generation system, it’s crucial to designate one of the batteries as the lead battery.
This ensures that all the components are hooked up properly and reduces the risk of damaging any of the components.
Whether you’re using one battery or several, it’s important to connect all the components to the lead battery to ensure that they’re working in unison.
If you decide to add additional batteries to the system, you can connect them in parallel using automotive cables, as described in the previous steps.
This will increase the storage capacity of your battery bank, allowing you to power more appliances for longer periods.
To keep track of your battery bank’s status and ensure that it’s functioning correctly, it’s important to install a voltmeter in your off-grid electricity generation system.
The voltmeter provides a constant reading of the voltage in your battery bank, allowing you to monitor its status and detect any potential issues before they become more serious.
The voltmeter is an essential component of your off-grid electricity generation system, as it allows you to keep track of how much power is being consumed and when it’s time to recharge the batteries.
This is particularly important when you’re using the system for extended periods, as it allows you to manage your power usage and avoid over-discharging the batteries.
The voltmeter is typically a lighted display that provides a clear and constant reading of the voltage in your battery bank. It should be installed in a visible location and connected to the lead battery to provide accurate readings.
Image Credits : desertsun02
