Solar power has two main advantages that set it apart from other electricity generation methods such as nuclear power and hydropower.  First, it is the greenest energy power that harnesses the most renewable energy source known to man.  Second, it is relatively simple to install and use with just solar panels, wiring, battery, solar regulator and inverter.

Solar Regulator

The solar regulator is the small box located between the batteries and the solar panel.  It performs two main functions.  First, it protects the battery from overcharges, which usually happens when there is little consumption but there is a strong sun.  Second, it protects excessive discharge when there is little sun (i.e., bad weather conditions) and heavy consumption.  Either way, the solar regulator protects the battery from damage to its components.

In addition to controlling the amount of charge from the solar panel into the battery, you can directly charge appliances to the solar regulator.  In this instance, the batteries are bypassed but continue to receive charges from the panels.

There are two basic types of solar regulators.  First, there is the on-off shunt regulator, which possesses the advantages of simplicity of installation and use, high reliability at a low cost and very small power discharges.  On the downside, you will have to cope with the slight instability of voltage in the battery and the high voltage pulses from the regulator when the battery is disconnected.  This can be very damaging to highly-sensitive electronic equipment plugged into the outlets.

Second, there is the linear series solar regulator, with the advantages of under voltage load discharges and stable voltage regulation.  However, you will have to pay its higher price, allocate a bigger space for its larger size, and cope with the higher power discharges.

Whatever solar regulator used in your home system, you are assured of one important thing in your busy life: It’s maintenance-free.  You will need to ensure that it receives sufficient airflow and protected by shade as well as check on the connections on a regular basis and you are home free.

It also helps to install the right fuse between the solar regulator and the solar panel to protect the components of the home system and the appliances connected to it from sudden changes in power generation, reduce the risks of fire and lengthen the serviceable life of the system itself.

Power Inverters

Simply put, the power inverter switches the direct current (DC) produced by the solar panels into the alternating current (AC) that runs the appliances in your home.  It is located between the home appliances and the batteries (for stand alone setups) or between the mains wiring and the solar panels (for grid connect system)

If your home system belongs to the grid connect type, you will secure credit for the electricity contributed by the system.  In some countries, you will be paid for the extra electricity.

You can choose from either the true-sine wave inverter or the modified-sine wave inverter.  Without going into the technical jargon, you will be better off with the true-sine wave inverter especially when you want a steady and stable flow of electricity and when you are plugging in highly-sensitive equipment.

This information ought to help you decide on the best type of solar regulator and inverter for your home system.