The other stuff....
It's not that ease to know all stuff surrounding the Off grid products. Here are som of them.
Other Components
An off grid solar system is much more complicated than just panels and batteries, which is why hiring a professional solar electrician is often the best choice (be sure they specialize in off grid systems specifically as these are very different from standard on-grid systems).
There are also:
- Charge Controllers, which monitor the amount of charge going to your batteries
- Inverter, which converts DC (direct current solar energy) to AC (alternating current electricity, or standard plugs)
- Breaker Box, which distributes 120V energy to household plugs
- Battery Protection, which protects batteries from electrical surges
- Battery Monitor, to tell you how charged/how much energy you have available
- Wiring, Fuses, and Misc. Parts
Don’t get me wrong, DIY off grid solar is 100% possible (subject to local laws) and is exactly what my husband and I did for our camper van. Many off grid solar systems are only 12 Volt (much lower than standard 120 Volt houses), so they are fairly safe to work with. The process just requires much more time, research, and patience.
Understanding off grid solar is both exciting and daunting, but it will make it easier to be self-sufficient, keep costs low, and maintain your system over time.