Autonomous power supply systems of suburban facilities allow you to live in comfort even far from centralized communications. Often, along with traditional schemes, alternative ones based on the use of solar energy are used.
In order for the solar system to function correctly, a well-designed wiring diagram for connecting solar panels is necessary. It will require a set of quality equipment that can cope with its responsibilities.
We will tell you how to properly plan the placement of components of a mini-power plant. You will learn how to choose technical devices for assembling the system and how to connect them correctly. Based on our advice, you can build an effective installation.
The scheme of the solar power plant
Consider how the heliosystem is arranged and works for a country house. Its main purpose is to convert the energy of the sun into 220 V electricity, which is the main source of power for home electrical appliances.
The main parts of which the SES consists of:
- Batteries (panels) that convert solar radiation into direct current.
- Battery Charge Controller
- Battery pack
- Inverter that converts battery voltage to 220 V.
The battery design is thought out in such a way that allows the equipment to function in various weather conditions, at temperatures from -35ºС to + 80ºС.
It turns out that correctly installed solar panels will work with the same performance both in winter and summer, but under one condition - in clear weather, when the sun gives off the maximum amount of heat. The cloudy performance drops dramatically.
The efficiency of SES in the middle latitudes is great, but not so much as to fully provide large houses with electricity. More often the solar system is considered as an additional or backup source of electricity
The weight of one 300 W battery is 20 kg. Most often, panels are mounted on the roof, facade or special racks installed next to the house. Necessary conditions: a turn of the plane in the direction of the sun and an optimal slope (on average 45 ° to the surface of the earth), ensuring a perpendicular fall of sunlight.
If possible, install a tracker that tracks the movement of the sun and adjusts the position of the panels.
The top surface of the batteries is protected by tempered shockproof glass, which easily withstands hail shocks or heavy snow drifts. However, it is necessary to monitor the integrity of the coating, otherwise damaged silicon wafers (photocells) will stop working
The controller performs as many functions. In addition to the main - automatic battery charge adjustment, the controller regulates the supply of energy from solar panels, thereby protecting the battery from complete discharge.
When fully charged, the controller automatically disconnects the battery from the system. Modern devices are equipped with a control panel with a display showing the voltage of the batteries.
For self-made solar systems, the best choice is gel batteries, which differ in the period of uninterrupted operation of 10-12 years. After 10 years of operation, their capacity decreases by about 15-25%. These are maintenance-free and absolutely safe devices that do not emit harmful substances.
In winter or in cloudy weather, the panels also continue to work (if they are regularly cleaned of snow), but energy production is reduced by 5-10 times
The task of inverters is to convert the direct voltage from the battery to an alternating voltage of 220 V. They differ in such technical characteristics as the power and quality of the received voltage. Sinus equipment is able to service the most “moody” devices for current quality - compressors, consumer electronics.
Overview of household SES:
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Solar panels - batteries with photocells
Battery Charge Controller
Gel Battery Pack
Inverter - 220 V voltage converter
It is worth knowing that household power plants are able to service a constantly working refrigerator, a submersible pump, a TV, and a lighting system that is periodically started. To provide energy for the functioning of a boiler or even a microwave, more powerful and very expensive equipment will be required.
The simplest scheme of a solar power plant, including the main components. Each of them performs its function, without which the work of the SES is impossible.
There are other, more complex schemes for assembling solar power plants, but this solution is universal and the most popular in everyday life.
Steps for connecting batteries to SES equipment
The connection takes place in stages, usually in the following order: first, the controller is connected to the battery, then the controller to the solar panels, then the battery to the inverter, and, finally, the consumers are wired.
Step # 1: connect to the battery
Batteries occupy a well-defined place on the network. They are not connected directly to the solar panels, but through a controller that regulates their loading / unloading. On the other hand, the battery pack is connected to a current converting inverter.
Thus, the scheme for connecting solar panels to the battery looks like this:
- make the battery / controller connection (then the controller / solar panels);
- We connect the battery and inverter.
Other connection options are possible, but this is optimal, since the battery saves unused energy and, if necessary, gives it to consumers.
There are two options for the purchase of batteries: as part of a fully ready-to-install solar power plant, or separately, according to specified parameters. Inexpensive Chinese kit costs no more than 2000 rubles
If one battery is not enough, purchase several batteries with the same characteristics. They are installed in one place and connected in series.
For ease of use and maintenance, the units are mounted on a metal shelf with a polymer coating.
The products of the Chinese brand Delta have proven themselves excellently. In the photo - a gel battery with a voltage of 12 V and a capacity of 55 Ah. All Delta devices are rated for 10 years.
Consider how the battery connects to the controller and inverter.
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Step 1 - Identify Terminals on the Controller
Step 2 - connecting wires to the controller
Step 3 - connecting the wires to the battery
Step 4 - Verify Display Connection
The next step is to connect the controller to the solar panels, and the battery pack to the inverter.
Stage # 2: connecting to the controller
Consider the option that owners of country houses often use in practice. They order inexpensive equipment manufactured by China on one of the online sites.
A budget controller with a minimum number of settings, equipped with three pairs of terminals, capable of servicing a 150 W solar unit. Cost - 1300 rubles
Connection occurs in the following order:
- First, a battery pack is connected to the controller. This is done intentionally to check how the device detects the rated mains voltage (standard values are 12 V, 24 V). When connecting to the battery, the first pair of terminals is used.
- Then directly connect the solar panelsusing the wires attached to them, and the controller has a second pair of terminals.
- Last but not least, night lighting equipment is installedI - for this purpose the third pair of terminals is intended. In addition to low-voltage lighting, which operates exclusively after dark and powered by a battery, other equipment cannot be used.
With any type of connection, it is necessary to monitor the polarity.
Non-observance of polarity leads to an instant breakdown of the controller, as well as the failure of parts of solar panels.
Controller wiring diagram with three pairs of terminals. Night lighting (12 V) is an optional feature, so some simply do not use it. The inclusion of light bulbs can be adjusted by time: for work in the evening or morning hours (+)
The controller and battery are constantly interacting. For example, during peak loads, the battery is a buffer that protects the controller from failure.
These two devices, like the other elements of the system, cannot be considered separately. When assembling a solar power plant, each device should be kept in mind, even if the particular connection does not concern it.
Step-by-step instructions for connecting solar panels to the controller
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We take out the solar panels from the packaging, check for integrity, remove the protective film. The best option is 12 V polycrystalline batteries, as they are easier to adapt to 12 V batteries
Unpack the controller - a device for adjusting the battery charge. When the battery charge reaches 11 V, the controller will automatically disconnect it from the system
The nuances of connecting a specific device are described in detail in the attached instructions. It will be lucky if Chinese-made products are equipped with understandable diagrams and descriptions in Russian
In order not to make a mistake in choosing the contacts, find on the controller a symbolic image of solar panels with the polarity +/- indicated. Usually these are two left extreme contacts
Considering the polarity, insert the terminals of the wires into the desired contacts and screw them in place. Make sure that the wires all the way into the terminal blocks
It is important to correctly determine the polarity, not only when connecting the wires to the controller, but also when connecting the solar cables to the device wires
To connect the controller wires with other equipment, we use special plugs that are connected according to the “mother-to-mother” principle and Schottky diodes
If you need to connect not one but several batteries, then we use a parallel connection circuit
Step 1 - Preparing Solar Panels
Step 2 - Preparing the Controller
Step 3 - learning the instructions
Step 4 - choosing the right contacts on the controller
Step 5 - connecting wires to the controller
Step 6 - determine the polarity
Step 7 - connecting the wires of the controller and solar panels
Step 8 - parallel connection of the battery kit
After connecting the controller to the battery and panels, we connect the inverter and, if necessary, low-voltage lighting devices.
Stage # 3: connecting to the inverter
The inverter must be included in the system if the devices in the house operate from 220 V. But there are exceptions when solar panels are installed for the 12 V system, in this case the inverter is not needed.
The place of installation of the inverter in the solar power system is between the battery pack and energy consumers, that is, home appliances, lighting devices, etc. (+)
The device is purchased in the same way as the other parts of the solar system: as part of an SES kit or separately.
Procedure for connecting the inverter to the battery:
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Step 1 - Verify Inverter Integrity
Step 2 - wire preparation
Step 3 - connecting wires to the inverter
Step 4 - Connecting Wires to the Battery
If you have not previously been involved in the installation of solar power plants, we recommend that you purchase not individual devices, but the complete system.
The advantage of a system ready for installation is in accordance with the equipment parameters (correctly selected batteries in terms of power, the required number of solar panels, a set of wires for quick connection).
It is logical that devices that are compatible in capacity, voltage and power will convert solar energy much more efficiently and provide the house with electricity. In fact, free “green energy” can be used with heating systems, power supply of household devices.
Owners of suburban housing have long appreciated the virtues of alternative energy and are actively using SES as a permanent or backup source. Useful recommendations from users of solar power plants will help you with the installation of your own system.
Video # 1. Step-by-step instruction on assembly and connection:
Video # 2. Analysis of common errors when choosing and installing equipment:
Video # 3. An overview of one of the options for home installation:
The use of alternative energy for the needs of mankind is a really big technological leap. Today, every homeowner can independently assemble and connect a solar power station that supplies electricity to the house. Given the payback and environmental friendliness, this is a practical and effective solution.
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