Eco Depot USA - Renewable Energy Experts 877-ECO-DEPO

RESIDENTIAL Example System

400 to 1000 Watt Grid-tied PV Array with battery backup, 24 Volts Nominal Primarily AC Loads and Select DC Loads

This drawing illustrates how a PV (photo voltaic) system breaks down into three major Sub­systems:

• Example system power production - 1800 watt hours daily from a 5 hour equivalent day.
• Batteries - L-16 type, 6 volt, 300-370 amp hours.
• Inverter - 1,500 to 3,600 watt modified sine with built-in battery charger and transfer switch.
• Power conditioning and storage placement - dwelling basement or utility area, powershed or container.

We can easily take any of these sub­systems and alter the others. For example, the array or battery systems could vary greatly in size. In a grid intertie system you typically wouldn't even need batteries! Also, one could easily picture wind turbines and/or micro-hydro sub-systems in place of or even side by side with the PV sub-system.

If some of these terms seem unfamiliar, don't worry, we'll start to cover them in the next section!