Things You Need to Start Your DIY Solar Setup

Welcome, fellow DIY enthusiasts! If you're looking to set up your own solar power system at home, you've come to the right place. Below are the essential components you'll need to get started, from the panels on your roof to the wires connecting everything.

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1. Solar Panels

The most visible part of any solar system, solar panels are what you see on a roof. Their job is to harvest energy from the sun. They are rated in watts (W), which indicates their power to convert sunlight into electricity. You'll commonly find panels rated from 50W to 710W or higher.

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2. Solar Charge Controller (SCC)

The solar charge controller has two primary functions: it receives the energy generated by the solar panels and it safely charges the batteries. This prevents overcharging and other issues that can damage your battery bank.

SCCs are specified by their voltage and amperage. Common voltages are 12V, 24V, and 48V. The amperage rating, such as 20A, 40A, or 60A, determines its capacity. A higher amperage rating means the controller can handle more power from the solar panels, which can lead to faster charging.

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3. Batteries

Batteries are the energy storage for your system. They charge during the day and provide power at night or when the sun isn't shining. The capacity of a battery is typically measured in amp-hours (Ah).

Like SCCs, batteries also have a voltage rating, usually 12V, 24V, or 48V. To determine the total energy a battery can store, you can calculate its watt-hours (Wh) by multiplying the volts by the amp-hours. The more watt-hours a battery has, the more power it can store for later use.

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4. Inverter

An inverter converts the direct current (DC) electricity from your batteries into alternating current (AC), which is what most of your household appliances use. In the Philippines, the standard is 220V AC.

Inverters are rated in watts (W). For example, a 1,000W or 5,000W inverter can handle the power demands of your appliances. The higher the inverter's wattage, the more appliances and devices it can handle at the same time.

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5. Wires

Wires are the critical links that connect all your components. They must be properly sized for the power they will carry. The thickness of a wire determines how much current it can safely handle.

Using an undersized wire can be a fire hazard because it can overheat under heavy load. While using an oversized wire is safer, it can be more expensive. Sizing your wires correctly ensures both safety and cost-effectiveness.

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6. Breakers

Breakers are essential safety devices that should be placed between each major component. They protect your system from electrical overloads and short circuits. It's recommended to have a breaker for each major connection, so you'll likely need at least 3 to 4 breakers depending on your setup.

Properly sizing a breaker is crucial. An undersized breaker will trip too easily, even under normal load, which is a nuisance. An oversized breaker is dangerous because it won't trip when there's an overload. This can cause significant damage to your expensive components before the breaker can act.

To ensure you have the proper sizing for your breaker and wire, visit our online solar setup calculator here: Solar Setup Calculator