Our training class lasted for approximately an hour an a half, so I divided the video into four parts. Each of the parts more or less focused on certain criteria of building your own solar backup system.
Solar Backup System Overview: Parts of a Solar Backup System
The first video will focus on the four main parts:
- Solar Panels
- Charge Controler
- Battery Storage Grid
- DC to AC Inverter
We also include discussion about a 110 to 220 volt converter for running tools or equipment requiring a 220 volt current. This is typical for tools such as a well pump and many shop tools.
Setting Priorities for Power Usage on a Solar System
In the second segment, Aaron discusses what appliances, tools, and equipment are probably necessary for a solar emergency backup system. We don’t need to run the entire household. Over the course of the video, Aaron and the classroom identified six priorities.
- Refrigeration
- Power Tools
- Water
- Light
- Kitchen Appliances
- Furnace Fans
Calculate How Much Solar Power You Need to Generate and to Store in Batteries
This next segment will help you calculate how much solar power you need to produce. It will help you identify how much power each of your appliances or powered tools will require. You will need to make a list of your appliances then create columns with
| Name of Appliance | Volts | Amps | Watts/Startup | Time Requirement |
Using 220 Volt Tools and Appliances on your Solar Backup System & Additional Discussion
In order to use a 220 volt appliance, such as a 220 volt well pump to get water out during an emergency or when you don’t have power, you will need to also use a converter. The converter will automatically convert the 110 volt electricity from your inverter to 220 volt electricity that you would plug in your well pump. We discuss how you would re-wire in order to make this as seamless as possible.
Finally, we answer questions from the class about various other topics.