Our solar power kits have these 6 key components:-

We use two sorts of solar panels depending on the power of kit you require. For higher power kits we often use high voltage panels. High voltage solar panels are mass produced for the grid tie market (selling electricy back to the grid) and are consequently cheaper and more readily available. We also use lower power "off grid" solar panels such as the ET excellent ET solar range.

To put the power generated by the panels stored in the batteries we supply a solar charge conbtroller. There are literally hundreds of different types and sizes. In our experience we find the Steca range excellent for low power kits and the Morningstar TS45, TS 60 or Outback for higher power kits.

Batteries store the power produced by the solar panels. There are 3 regular sizes we use - 2 Volt, 6 Volt and 12 Volt. Because batteries can be extremley heavy it's usefull to be able to supply lower voltage versions. The maximum power for a 12Volt battery is about 250 Amp hours or 250X12 - 3000 Watt hours. No more than taht because it will be too heavy and difficult to manufacture. Because nearly all batteries are made from 2 Volt cells (That's why there are 6 filling caps on a 12V battery) it's easier to supply 6 separate 2 Volt solar batteries instead of one huge unmanageable 12Volt one. Batteries are rated like this:-

• 250Ah - Number of amps it can supply. In this case 250 Amps
• C20 - Period of time it can supply the power for. In this case 20
• V12 - Voltage. In this case 12

You should always divide the Amp hour rating by two because it's never a good idea to completely drain a battery and they last much longer if you only take half the power out of them

The inverter converts the DC battery into AC or mains power

    

People often get confused about the size of cables required for a solar power kit so we do all that for you. The wrong size of cable could at worst result in a fire and at least seriously  reduce the efficiency of your kit.

Often left out and so very important. The primary purpose of fuses on the DC side of the kit is to protect the cables. If you've ever inadvertently shorted the terminals of a car battery you'll know why you need fuses. A fire or burns caused by melting cables can be extremely dangerous. We take a lot of care choosing the right size and position of the fuses in our solar power kits so you can be safe in the knowledge you won't have a fire on your hands in the middle of the night!