This type of system is ideal for a weekend cabin or for an RVer whose main priority is lighting, home entertainment, or pumping water on an intermittent basis. One or two PV modules and a small to medium-sized (100 to 800 amp hours) set of batteries comprise the main components of this type of system. All loads are powered by 12-volt DC battery. The loads can be 12 volt appliances or if a small inverter is used (100 to 200 watt) 120,VAC appliances. An inverter is a device that converts low-voltage DC current into 120 AC. Self regulating type PV modules are sometimes used in this type of system to keep it simple. Cost of a system of this size may range from $600 to $1500.
- Stand-Alone Battery-Based Systems
- Small DC (or AC) System
- Combination DC-AC System
- AC-Only System
- PV-Gas Generator Hybrid System
- PV-Grid Connect System
- PV-Direct System
- Planning Your Own System
- How much electrical energy will I need?
- What type of electrical energy and what voltage should I choose?
- How many solar panels (PV modules) will I need?
- Where should the solar panels be placed?
- What kind of module mount: stationary or tracking?
- How about batteries?
- Will I be adding this system to new construction or an existing structure?
- Plan for the future