Connection diagram for solar panels: to the controller, to the battery and to the serviced systems

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:

1. Batteries (panels) that convert solar radiation into direct current.
2. Battery Charge Controller
3. Battery pack
4. An 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 towards the sun and an optimal slope (on average 45 ° to the earth's surface), 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 that can easily withstand hail or heavy snow. However, it is necessary to monitor the integrity of the coating, otherwise damaged silicon wafers (photocells) will stop working

The controller performs how many functions. In addition to the main - automatic battery charge adjustment, 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 functioning 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

Task inverters - 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:

It is worth knowing that household power plants are capable of servicing a constantly working refrigerator, a submersible pump, a TV, and a lighting system that is periodically launched. 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 assembly schemes for solar power plantsHowever, this solution is universal and most demanded 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 wiring diagram 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 battery saves unspent 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 Delta brand have proven themselves perfectly. 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.

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 that came with 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 lights can be turned on by time: for work in the evening or morning hours (+)

The controller and the 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

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:

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 ready-to-install system 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 compatible in capacity, voltage and power will be much more efficient in converting solar energy and providing the house with electricity.In fact, free “green energy” can be used with heating systemspower supply of household appliances.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Owners of suburban housing have long appreciated the merits 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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