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There are two main factors involved in living off-grid.  First, you’ll need to become very aware of when and how you use electricity.  You won’t have to live without it, but you won’t want to waste it, either. 

Second, you’ll want to become familiar with how your solar power system works, and what kind of maintenance is required.  It would be best if you become an expert on your particular system, so you can troubleshoot anything unexpected that arises.  Becoming an expert is not that hard to do since there is so much information on solar energy available now.  But it will require time and commitment on your part.

A basic off-grid system is made up of 9 components.

First, the photovoltaic array and mounting rack.  Wikipedia describes the array as “a linked collection of photovoltaic modules, which are in turn made of multiple interconnected solar cells”.  The mounting rack allows you to attach them the roof and point them toward the sun.

Second, the array DC disconnect.  This is basically a breaker between the array and the rest of the system.  It allows you to disconnect from the system in order to troubleshoot problems with the array.

Third, the charge controller keeps the batteries from overcharging.

Fourth, the battery bank stores excess electricity.  You will usually need enough batteries for 2-3 days worth of stored electricity in case of a cloudy period.

Fifth, the system meter is like your car’s dashboard.  It reports how the various components in your system are doing,

Sixth, is the main DC disconnect.  This is a breaker between the storage batteries and the inverter.

Seventh, is the inverter.  This is the component that transforms the DC (direct current) electricity, which is generated by the array and stored in the batteries, into the AC (alternating current) electricity that can be used by your household appliances.

Eighth, the AC breaker panel.  This is the same kind of breaker panel that the electric company uses to connect your house wiring to its electrical source.

Ninth, your backup generator.  This is in case you have a stretch of cloudy days that outlast the electricity stored in the batteries.  You can use traditional fossil fuels, but you’ll probably want to use biodiesel to maintain your green lifestyle. 

Now that you’ve seen the components of the photovoltaic system, you can see why it’s not that complicated to become your own expert.  Each component is relatively simple.  The only moving parts are in the backup generator, and you hopefully won’t be using that very much.

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