Types of Solar Energy Systems!

Listed below are some of the main types of solar power systems. These can be easily adapted to wind or hydro systems. Each has its own type of application. There are of course other variances of these systems. A good thing to keep in mind when determining the type of system for your needs is that all of the systems are modular to some degree. If you use the proper components and allow for expansion later on you can always start with a small system and add to it as you go.

BASIC: This is the simplest type of solar power system. It consists of a solar module directly running DC equipment. This could be used on applications such as pumping water or turning on a fan to cool a room when the sun comes out.

ADVANTAGES: Inexpensive and simple. Direct wiring to the equipment or appliance.

DISADVANTAGES: Power is only available when the sun is out. Limited types of applications. The equipment or appliance may need some type of voltage regulation to prevent it from being damaged.

DIODE: This is also a very simple type of solar power system. It consists of a solar module, a diode, and a battery. This could be used for a DC application where the power requirements of the equipment is equal to or greater than the supply from the solar module(s) such as a trolling motor battery or trickle charging a car battery.

ADVANTAGES: Inexpensive and simple. Diode prevents battery from discharging back through solar panels at night or during cloudy periods. Equipment can use power from the solar modules and batteries at the same time. The battery provides voltage regulation to the equipment.

DISADVANTAGES: If the solar module is sized too large, where the power output of the solar module is greater than the power usage of the equipment, then overcharging can occur which can damage the battery.

DC: The "DC" system is one step above the "DIODE" system. The charge controller allows the solar modules to fully charge the batteries, then redirects the solar module current so the batteries will not be overcharged.

ADVANTAGES: Inexpensive simple straight forward system. Charge controller prevents battery from discharging back through solar panels at night or during cloudy periods. It also prevents the battery from being overcharged. Equipment can use power from the solar modules and batteries at the same time.

DISADVANTAGES: Limited to DC appliances.

AC: The "AC" system consists of all the features of the DC system plus an inverter. An inverter converts DC power to AC. AC is what most people use in their homes for TV's, microwaves, ovens, washers, and other appliances that plug into the wall.

ADVANTAGES: This system has all the advantages of the "DC" system plus it can run AC appliances and equipment. AC power allows you to run longer distances with smaller gauge wire.

DISADVANTAGES: The inverter adds more expense to the system. 5% to 15% of your power is lost by converting DC to AC through the inverter.

UTILITY INTERMIT: The "UTILITY INTERMIT" system consists of the renewable energy source and an inverter. The inverter must have the ability to synchronize with the utility power and shut down the inverter when utility power goes down..

ADVANTAGES: This system allows the owner to use the utility rather than a battery bank for storage. The excess power is sold back to the utility at a rate determined by the utility. Without the battery bank there is less maintenance required on the system.

DISADVANTAGES: There is generally no backup power available. The user is still subject to utility blackouts. The system is required to shut down when utility power goes down because of safety reasons.

HYBRID: The "HYBRID" system is the ultimate alternative energy power system. It can use multiple renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, or whatever. It can also contain a backup generator for the windless, cloudy, dried up stream type of days. You'll need a good power control center for this type of system.

ADVANTAGES: This is a true standalone system when using a backup generator. With the proper inverter, this system can be intermitted with the utility thus reducing (or deleting) the needed size of the battery bank. This system can take advantage of the different alternative energies available. During sunny hot calm days the solar modules will supply most of the power. During windy cloudy days the wind generator will be the main supplier. If you're lucky enough to have a stream nearby then your hydro generator can supply some or all of your electric energy requirements.

DISADVANTAGES: Relatively expensive - but running utility lines can also be very costly to install
(See Who Would Benefit from Solar?. Relatively complicated - the average person probably will need some help designing and installing this type of system.