Solar power systems are quickly gaining traction across the
US. Once a renewable system mainly reserved for hot and dry climates,
homeowners in rainy and cooler states just weren’t interested. Fast forward about
five years and on-grid solar power systems are becoming more and more popular
in the northern states. This trend is thought to have started because of lower
prices and better technology. Solar panels that perform better in low light
environments, such as the Renogy Eclipse, are great contenders for a northern
power system because they can perform fairly well even on a cloudy day. With
power costs rising, consumers are turning to solar to meet their needs while
staying within their budgets. Even though some northern homeowners still aren’t
interested in on-grid solar, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a different kind of
system to suit their needs.
Off-grid power systems can be used by anyone, anywhere in
the US. Since these systems are not excessively large and do not get installed
on the roof, they are often a DIY project. Furthermore, they are a perfect
go-to item in the event of a power outage, which of course, can happen anywhere
in the US. Off-grid systems are also less costly than an on-grid system, particularly
because they don’t require professional installation. For all of those reasons,
off-grid systems are become must have items on RVs, boats, and campers. Many
customers are also choosing to store these kits in their basements or sheds in
case of an emergency.
If you’re in the market to purchase one of these kits, one
of the first questions you’ll ask is, “What do I need?” To make things simple,
Renogy sells several Complete Kits that come with all of the components
necessary for an off-grid system. Every off grid system requires solar panels,
but that is a given. Each solar panel contains a junction box with MC4 leads.
These leads connection to another MC4 adapter kit, which is in turn connected
to a charge controller. The size of your system will dictate which Amp size
controller you’ll need to purchase. Aside from amperage, you may choose to
purchase either an MPPT or PWM charge controller. MPPT charge controllers are
more expensive than PWM controllers because they feature better power tracking
technology. MPPT charge controllers help extend the life of the battery bank
and help create a more efficient power system.
In addition to a charge controller, all off grid systems
require a tray cable, which extends from the charge controller to the battery
bank. You’ll also need to purchase mounting Z-Brackets if you intend to have
the system installed on a surface suck as a boat deck or RV roof. Last but not
least, you’ll need to purchase an inverter if you intend to use your off-grid
system with regular consumer appliance. That is because the power generated
from your system will need to be converted from direct current to alternating
current. You may choose to purchase a Tracer Meter, which monitors and displays
the solar system’s voltage and current, as well as amp-hour and watt-hour
charge levels. However, this component is completely optional.
Here at Renogy, we’d love to make your journey into solar
energy as easy as possible. That’s why we’ve created Complete Kits, which do
contain all that is needed to set up an off-grid system. Of course, you’re free
to mix and match or buy specific components elsewhere, which is what makes this
list a must read. For more information about the systems, or to speak to a
sales representative, contact us at 800-330-8678.
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