Connecting a Non-Grid Tied Solar System: An Installation Guide

For those looking to harness the power of the sun for long-term storage in a remote or detached structure like a storage shed, setting up a non-grid tied solar system can be a feasible and cost-effective solution. Whether you're trying to supply power to a small building or an off-grid setup, this guide is designed to walk you through the process.

Components Required for Your Solar System

To begin, you need to have a few key components to get started:

Solar Panels: Specified in watts and volts, panels are the primary source of energy. Determine the appropriate size and color that suits your location and energy needs. Solar Panel Controller: Choose a controller that best fits your solar panel's specifications. Ensure it matches the voltage of your panels and efficiently charges your batteries. Battery: The battery stores the energy generated by the solar panels, allowing you to use power even when the sun isn't shining. Inverter: Converts the DC power from the battery to AC power suitable for household use, such as running appliances and lights.

Connecting Your System to the Storage Shed

The process of connecting your non-grid tied solar system to your storage shed is relatively straightforward, especially if you have pre-installed electrical infrastructure in your shed. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Electric Infrastructure: If your shed already has a functioning electrical installation, you may need to disconnect it from the grid. Alternatively, you can connect your solar system directly to the existing outlets. Direct Connection: If you're setting up a completely new system, you can use extension cords or run standard overhead or underground wiring to power the shed. Inverter: Connect the inverter to the storage shed's breaker box and outlets. This setup allows you to power your shed using the inverter, which takes power from the battery.

Example of a Successful Setup

As it stands, connecting a 1KW solar system to a setup with batteries, a solar panel controller, and an inverter is a common and efficient way to power a small structure like a storage shed. Here is an example of a setup I implemented:

1KW Solar Panel System: Initially configured with 8 6-volt flooded lead acid batteries in a 48-volt series in August 2017. controller/charger: Using a 200VDC MidNite Classic MPPT controller, which is highly effective in capturing maximum energy from the panels. Inverter: A 3000-watt pure sine wave inverter to stabilize and clean the power output.

With this setup, I have two 5000 BTU window air conditioners. During full sunny days, I can run my bedroom air conditioner for up to 8 hours. For 3 to 4 hours, both the bedroom and my shed ACs run simultaneously. The shed is well insulated, and enhancing it further with 8 feet of copper-clad steel underground during a particularly wet winter significantly improved its performance.

Safeguarding Your Battery

While the setup described above has proven successful, there are additional considerations, especially when it comes to battery safety and longevity. If you're planning to replace lead acid batteries with lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, it's crucial to understand the voltage range. Lithium-based batteries are sensitive to overcharging, so monitoring the charging voltage and setting your controller to cut off at a safe 58 volts can prevent issues.

By following these steps and guidelines, you can effectively harness the power of the sun to supply electricity to your storage shed or any similar off-grid structure. Proper planning and component selection will ensure a reliable and efficient system that meets your energy needs.