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Solar systems components explained
In addition to solar panels there are several components that go along with them to create a system.
Inverters
We touched briefly on inverters before, they essentially 'make waves'. They can turn steady stream DC power into wavy AC power. There are several different kinds of inverters and they differ in the kind of wave they create. Modified sine wave inverters create current that resembles connected up and down stair cases, as the inverter creates steps in the current. Pure sine wave inverters create just that, a nice even up and down wave. Sensitive electronics, like entertainment equipment, require that pure wave to operate properly, while smaller electronics, like small kitchen appliances, work just fine with modified wave.Charge Controllers
Whenever batteries are present in a solar power system, a charge controller is needed. This is needed because, unlike other power sources that have an off and on switch, solar panels are pretty much 'on' as long as the sun is shining. This can be a problem if the batteries are at full capacity as overcharging them would ruin them. So the charge controller controls how much charge goes into the batteries and optimizes the energy they receive.
Charge controllers are also handy for measuring and displaying just how much charge the batteries have. More expensive versions can also measure the amperage coming in from the panels and the amperage going out to the home.Control Panels, Disconnects, and Wiring
There are a lot of fuse panels, disconnect switches, and wiring in a solar power system. These are mixed and matched to suit a particular solar power system. The wiring can get expensive, so the distances between components should be minimized. DC power runs most efficiently through thick, heavy gauge wire, much like water flows better through larger pipe. The bigger the wire, obviously, the more expensive.Batteries
Batteries are used only when absolutely necessary in a solar power system. Large, heavy, full of chemicals, and expensive, they are something to be avoided. There are 3 basic types used in solar: lead-acid, sealed gel, and sealed absorbed glass mat (AGM). Lead-acid batteries are the most efficient and longest lasting, but require venting to avoid hydrogen gas explosions. Sealed batteries are just that, completely sealed, and don't require venting or adding liquids. This makes them best for boats and RV's where they can be jostled and tucked away.
Solar requires a special kind of battery called a deep cycle battery. Deep cycle means that the battery can be discharged sometimes to 50% of its total charge over long periods of time and on a regular basis and still be functional. This differs from batteries that you have in your car that are loaded heavily, but briefly, to start the car and then are immediately recharged.
