Finding a way to decipher the various types of solar energy systems in this day thousands of items online can be daunting and confusing to say the less. Much of the public think that you have to have the batteries to have solar power, this is not true that as a matter of fact most solar systems residential installed today are "connected network" or "networked" with no batteries. No batteries required!
Systems PV can be configured in a variety of ways. This article describes the 7 types of settings and examples of their uses.
1. Cargo Systems Battery with integrated photovoltaics – This system charges the batteries of a complete component system. Like the backpacks that have a cell phone iPod, or portable charger and integrated photovoltaic panels in it. Or something as simple as a solar calculator.
2. Day-use system – These systems incorporate solar cells wired directly into a DC (direct current) device to any storage device. When the sun shines on the panels that have the power in the apparatus. Some examples might be remote water pumping to run fans or blowers or circulation pumps for solar thermal systems.
3. System DC with storage batteries – The components of such a system consists of photovoltaic panels (or "matrix"), a charge controller and batteries storage. The sun shines in the matrix and charges batteries used to power DC loads (motors, appliances and equipment powered with DC. For example, a small off-grid cabin or some major road construction and signs you can see on the road.
These next 4 sets described require the use of an investor to "invert" the DC (direct current) of the PV or batteries of AC (alternating current) to power AC devices and connect to the network if desired. These are the most common types of residential and small commercial / industrial / institutional systems that are in common use now.
4. System DC power, both AC and DC loads – This system has basically the same components as the "CC system with storage batteries" that listed above, except the inverter for AC appliances. These systems are used in many applications outside the network due to the availability of shared equipment AC and are usually much cheaper in the same DC power unit.
5. Hybrid systems – solar hybrid systems are a way of using other sources by the battery bank as a wind generator, micro hydro, or gas / diesel generator. By relying on other sources to charge the battery bank can be sure that during the bad weather for a significant amount of time does not discharge the batteries beyond its desired capacity. Hybrid systems can be "plugged network "or" off line ".
6. Connected to the network without batteries – This is the simplest and most widely used at this time. Components include photovoltaic panels, an inverter, and a two-way meter utility. With this system you are using the grid as a storage device. when the network is off or down so is electricity. All investors made for network attached systems must "sense" of electricity from the utility grid or will not work. How does a system like this works is that the sun shines in the womb during the day (usually the use of low load) and power equipment that uses and the rest goes to the power grid in the form of a credit to you, the supplier of energy, use of load at night (usually higher) use those credits to power home. Simple right!
7. Networked with batteries – Solar systems like these are virtually identical to "DC AC Power Systems and DC loads and / or "Hybrid Systems" listed above, with the exception of being linked to the network. When the network is turned off or downward batteries after taking the job that the network was doing. It is also called "grid tied with battery back-up. It is the second most common type of system in use today. Many commercial and institutional applications using this type of UPS, which is essential.
Some of these systems are flexible to meet the needs of the project. Note that all these systems, especially when it comes to batteries, are complex and require important mathematical calculations in order to function properly and efficiently. They also need an appropriate facility to meet the national state, and local electrical codes (eg, disconnects, proper marking of all system components and tensions, etc.) The national code of NEC (National Electrical Code) 690, this covers photovoltaics.
These are the 7 main types of solar photovoltaic systems in use today. This will probably change as technology changes.
I hope this helps you in your decision to go solar and what system works best for your application and budget.
NREL Wind Technology Center
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