Solar Power Diagram
This solar power diagram can be split into three sections:
What each component doesHere is a brief description of what each component does in our diagram:
Solar PanelThe solar panel (shown at the top left of our diagram) captures sunlight and converts it into an electrical current. This current flows through to the solar controller.
Solar ControllerThe solar controller (shown in black on our diagram) looks after the batteries, preventing them from being damaged. It does this by ensuring that the battery cannot be over charged by the solar panel, and ensuring the battery cannot be over discharged by the low voltage power supply to small appliances.
BatteryThe battery (shown in brown in our solar power diagram) stores the power generated by the solar panel until it is required. The vast majority of small solar electric systems run at 12 volts.
Low voltage appliancesThe most efficient way of using the energy created by the solar electricity system is to use it at low voltage - typically (although not always) 12 volts. Domestic quality lighting is typically run at 12 volts, and adapters exist to run laptop computers and many portable televisions. There are also specific solar powered appliances such as fridges, microwave ovens, coffee makers, kettles, DVD players, radios, televisions and the alike that are designed to run directly from 12 volt systems.
Mains InverterWhere mains voltage is required, a mains voltage inverter (shown in white on our solar power diagram) is required to convert the electrical current from 12 volt direct current (DC) to mains voltage alternating current (AC). This allows mains voltage appliances to be run from a solar electric system.
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