What should we do to upgrade your off-grid solar system?
As the world becomes increasingly reliant on renewable energy sources, many homeowners are turning to off-grid solar systems to power their homes. However, as energy demands increase, customers may need to upgrade their solar systems to meet their energy needs. Our customer Sam from DRC country wants to upgrade his off-grid solar system from 5KW to 10KW. In this article, we will discuss the steps required to upgrade an off-grid solar system to 10KW by adding solar panels and solar controllers and replacing the solar battery.
Background: Sam's off-grid solar system 5KW was purchased from another company 3 years ago. Due to their warranty issue on the defective solar controller, he starts his cooperation with us from the controller in the 2022 year.
Component list for the current solar system:
12pcs 360W solar panels still working
8pcs 12V 200AH battery, 2pcs are damaged
MPPT solar controller 96V 100A
Solar inverter 5KW 96V working
Step 1: Assess your current system
Before upgrading your solar system, it is important to assess your current setup. This involves determining the capacity of your existing solar panels, solar controllers, and solar battery. It is also important to evaluate the amount of energy your household consumes on a daily basis. This information will help you determine the number of solar panels and the capacity of the solar battery you will need for your upgraded system.
Step 2: Determine the additional equipment you need
Once you have assessed your current system, you can determine the additional equipment you will need for the upgrade. In this case, you will need to purchase additional solar panels, a solar controller, and a solar battery. You will also need to ensure that your current inverter can handle the additional energy load.
Step 3: Install additional solar panels
The first step in the installation process is to add additional solar panels. You will need to determine the optimal location for the panels to ensure maximum sunlight exposure. The panels should be installed at an angle that allows them to capture the most sunlight throughout the day. The additional panels should be wired in parallel with the existing panels to increase the overall capacity of the system.
Step 4: Install the solar controller
The next step is to install the solar controller. The solar controller is responsible for regulating the flow of electricity between the solar panels and the solar battery. It ensures that the battery is not overcharged and protects it from damage. The new solar controller should be compatible with your existing system and capable of handling the increased capacity.
Step 5: Replace the solar battery
Finally, you will need to replace your existing solar battery with a new one that has a higher capacity. The new battery should be able to store enough energy to meet your household's needs, even during periods of low sunlight. The battery should also be compatible with your existing system and the new solar controller.
Conclusion
Upgrading an off-grid solar system to 10KW by adding solar panels and solar controllers and replacing the solar battery is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. It is important to assess your current system, determine the additional equipment you need, and install the new components properly. By following these steps, you can ensure that your upgraded system provides reliable and sustainable energy for your household's needs.
