THE HEART OF THE SYSTEM LIES IN THE POWER ROOM
Electricity flows from solar and/or wind through a charge controller and into the battery (hydro goes through a fuse or breaker directly to the battery and is regulated independently). From the battery, power goes out to any DC house circuits, and the inverter/charger producing 120/240 volts AC. The hub of the system is often a DC rated circuit panel (or a set of fuses) housing charge controller, inverter, and AC circuit breakers. Meters show power produced, power used, and battery condition. This equipment mounts on the wall near the battery bank. The installer wires everything together into a functioning power system one of three ways:
INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS
Smaller power systems for cabins and recreational vehicles like examples #1 and #2 at the front of this catalog, use a few components custom assembled by the installer. These components are shown in this catalog.
POWER PANEL/POWER CENTER
A single box contains all DC (and often AC as well) circuit breakers, shunts, and easy connection points for the cables from the solar modules, hydro and/or windmill, DC loads, remote meters, batteries, and inverter. The charge controller and inverter often attach to the power panel forming a single integrated unit. This approach eliminates the need to find, buy, and assemble all the hardware separately. Some manufactured power panels can come mostly pre-assembled, with as many pieces as possible already in place and the connection points for the rest of the system ready to go. It is a simplified standard design which saves labor and installation time. The result is a safe, clean looking battery room. Power panel components typically meet National Electric Code and pass electrical inspection.
INTEGRATED POWER SYSTEM
The closest option to plug and play that is available. Standardized configurations that vendors/manufacturers make available, can often fit many applications. Call and speak with us to find out what is available to best suit the potential needs. These systems ship in one piece, assembled on a single mounting plate, ready to hang on the wall of the power room. Finish the installation by connecting the battery bank, solar panel wiring, generator, and the household AC breaker panel. Options for minor configuration tweaks are available in some cases. Call Backwoods to see what we can offer.