Please read My journey to Off Grid Solar systems part 1 If you haven't done it already. In this article, lets discuss how we can purchase necessary items.
Please note that this page contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one, at no extra cost to you I may earn a small commission.
To build an off-grid solar system you need these basic parts.
1. Inverter
2. Batteries
3. Solar charge controller
4. Solar panels
For my setup, I have decided to buy the inverter and solar charge controller separately due to my budget. But I would highly recommend you to buy a Hybrid Inverter which contains Inverter + Solar charge controller in same unit. Below are few reasons.
1. Being a single unit you don't have to mix and match components (This would be really help full if you're a beginner like me)
2. They provide lot of applications. For example many working & charging modes.
3. Hybrid inverters can handle Grid power, Solar power & Battery power at once so you don't have to worry about components (Ex. Change over switch) and mechanisms (Low voltage cut off) to get them to work together in a separated system like mine.
4. Most of them provide very good monitoring systems via web or app which will keep you informed about everything.
Inverter
For my project I bought a decent chines inverter with the brand name of Carutu. I bought 2000W continues power inverter and it can take 4000W peak power for few minutes. This was a 24V model so it converts 24V DC into 230V AC current. Most of the time I will be using less than 500W (Fridge, Fans, Computer, LED Lights) but sometimes I like to turn on the water heater, A/C, Rice cooker or Kettle. My kettle draws most of the power hitting 1700W. I can't turn on all above mention items at the same time but I can manage to turn on 1 item at a time. This inverter contains a LED screen which shows you the basic information you want to know. Sadly you can't monitor anything via a mobile app or through Internet. But I have ran the inverter output power through Sonoff POWR2 smart Wi-Fi switch in order to access some data and also for overload protection.
Buy through Ali Express
Buy through Alibaba
Solar Charge Controller
I have chosen a famous chines brand called Make Sky Blue as my solar charge controller. I bought their 60A V119 version because I wanted to monitor my solar production. V119 supports 12,24,36 & 48V so, when I was upgrading from my 12V system I didn't have to change this unit. Also purchasing the 60A version allows me to add more solar power if I need to in the future. In my current setup (24V) it can handle up to 1400W of solar power.
Solar Panels
I bought solar panels from a local store because it was really difficult to ship them to my country from China. Initially I bought a single 445W Canadian Solar panel but recently I have increase the count up to 3 panels from the same. All 3 of my solar panels connects parallel due to their open circuit voltage exceed the maximum value during series connection. Downside of being parallel is I have to use thicker gauge wires.
Here are some famous Solar panel brands from the region where I live.
Canadian Solar, JA Solar, Jinko Solar
Batteries
Being a budget build, I have chosen Lead-Acid batteries for my off grid system. Please note that I'm not recommending these for anyone. Lead-Acid batteries were not designed for power off grid systems and can cause you issues in the long run.
I'm recommending to purchase LiFePo4 batteries for your solar applications. They are much safer comparing to Lead-Acid batteries and last for a long time. You can buy pre-built batteries or you can buy individual cells and build one by your self.
Here are some famous Lifepo4 pre-built battery brands from the region where I live.
Other Items
I have purchase below items also to complete my project.
ZMAI 90 Wifi Smart Switch Energy Meter - Buy through Ali Express
Sonoff Pow - Buy through Ali Express
Car Battery Terminal Connector - Buy through Ali Express
Battery Cable - Buy through Ali Express
PV Y Branch Connector - Buy through Ali Express
DC MCB - Buy through Ali Express
Distribution Box - Buy through Ali Express
Single Phase Din Rail ATS - Buy through Ali Express
Heltec 12V Lead Acid Battery Equalizer - Buy through Ali Express
Solar PV Wire With Waterproof Connector - Buy through Ali Express
I will discuss on how to connect all these together in my next article. Feel free to comment down below if you require further assistance.
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