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Step 4 System configuration and components

The general system lay-out of page 1 is not by definition the most logical for your situation. Local site information is needed to design your most appropriate system configuration. Do you have one or more buildings that need to be electrified? In case of more buildings you could consider to split up the system into more small system. Is there a freezer that may not defrost? It could be a reason to install a separate system for the freezer with increased autonomy.

▲ Left: Simple configuration. Most popular in Solar Home Systems; Right: Configuration with inverter. Mainly applied in bigger Solar Home Systems and also for (semi-) professional applications (orphanage, school, health centre, remote office)

Central or decentral

▲ Left: More stand alone systems set-up in a decentralised way. Right: Centralised system.

Large systems with more energy sources

▲ System configuration based on the Sunny Island concept of the German manufacturer SMA. The solar power is converted into AC-power by inverters that feed a mine-grid. Various other energy sources, like a diesel generator or a wind generator can be connected to the grid, resulting in a very reliable power system. In case the demand for power is lower than the supply, the power is buffered in the battery backup. This system could have advantages for small communities with several houses and buildings. The system is easily extended with extra solar panels if the power demand will change (for instance: a new building will be connected to the system).

The Charge controller

In the standard system configuration, the charge controller is the spider in the web. He controls the power of the solar panels to the battery and to the appliances. He also controls the power to and from the battery. Points of interest are summarised in the table below.

Characteristics charge controller