Let’s take a look at Synchronous Solar Panel Inverters…

2. Synchronous Solar Panel Inverters

Synchronous solar panel inverters are also called Grid-Tie Inverters. If you want to have a grid-tied solar power generator, a synchronous solar power inverter will suit you well.

This type of inverter takes the electricity generated by your solar generator and feeds it to the distribution panel in your home. The power is either used by the appliances at home or flows out to the utility grid. If you generate excess power, you are able to sell the energy to your utility company at the rate you’re charged.

When there is no solar energy available during cloudy days (and at night), the system seamlessly taps into the grid supply to make up the difference in power.

As such, you are able to use energy from the grid or from the photovoltaic panels. With this design, you will not need to worry about an increase in energy consumption. In case the solar panel system you design is a little too small, you can use the grid power to supplement your consumption.

Next, let’s go see what a Multifunction Solar Panel Inverter can do for us…

Click Here To Read More About Multifunction Solar Panel Inverters

Continue Reading:

1. About
2. Sizing Your Solar Energy Panels – Part 3
3. Solor Panel Inverters – Stand-Alone Solar Panel Inverters

For DC motors to give a consistent output, the power input must also be stable. As such, it is not the best idea to drive a DC motor directly from the solar panel’s output.

You can use rechargeable batteries together with your solar panels to clean up the irregularities in the power supply. It’s like a capacitor…

When there is sufficient (or more) power generated by the solar panel, the DC motor can draw all its power from the solar panel while the excess energy can be used to charge the battery.

There are times when your solar panel cannot produce enough power. With this configuration, the battery can compensate for the shortfall by drawing from its resources.

The Battery

Common types of batteries used for DC motor applications are made from lead-acid, lithium-ion and nickel-cadmium. There are advantages and disadvantages to each of these battery types. But what’s most important is the ability of the battery to withstand incomplete charging and discharging cycles without affecting its lifespan.

Motor Controller

In order for you to control the speed of a motor, you have to regulate the amount of power supplied to it. This can be done using a motor controller. It varies the direction and speed (or revolutions per minute) of the motor by using the pulse wave modulation (PWM) technique.

For industrial applications, DC motors are usually controlled by programmable logic controllers (PLC). These modules can handle complex jobs.

Charging Batteries

Rechargeable batteries make the best power storage for DC motors. However they need to be charged regularly. As PV panels do not produce a consistent voltage and current, it is not advisable to feed its power directly to the rechargeable batteries.

Instead, a charge controller is used to regulate the voltage going into the battery. Otherwise your rechargeable battery may get damaged or its lifespan may shorten.

In conclusion, what we’ve seen here is a brief summary on how to use solar panels and batteries to run your DC motor. In order to control the RPM of your motor, a motor controller is needed. To charge your battery, you’ll require a charge controller.

Each component has a rating inscribed on its body. Find out what they are and make sure all of them can work together as a system that use solar power to run your DC motor.

Continue Reading:

1. How To Build A Solar Panel Charge Controller
2. How To Power An Electric Fence Charger Using Solar Energy
3. How to Use Solar Power to Charge Your Golf Cart Batteries

Are you ready for what Multifunction Solar Panel Inverters can do for you? Let’s jump right in…

Multifunction solar panel inverters combine the best from Stand-Alone Solar Panel Inverters and Synchronous Solar Panel Inverters. They are of course more expensive, but these are the best choice for your solar energy panels.

This type of inverter allows you to generate excess power to be stored in a battery bank. As such, you are able to use energy from the grid, from the solar panels or from stored energy in the batteries. You can even connect a standby generator to the whole setup. Let me illustrate…

During the day, solar energy panels supply your household appliances with power. At the same time, the battery bank is charged up to store energy for the night. If there is surplus electricity, they can be sold to your local power company.

By evening, the batteries will be charged up. At this time, the inverter provides AC power to the house from the batteries. If the batteries are flat, the inverter taps into the grid to charge the batteries and power up the house at the same time.

If a standby generator is used, the inverter will synchronize its power so it can be added to an existing source of power. Many multifunction solar panel inverters are not as efficient as synchronous inverters because the system must have a battery. However, they offer functions that grid-tied inverters do not.

Continue Reading:

1. About
2. Sizing Your Solar Energy Panels – Part 2
3. Sizing Your Solar Energy Panels – Part 3