Stand Alone Solar Power Systems
Remote Area Power Systems (RAPS)
Solar power now provides a cost effective alternative for
areas with high electricity connection fees. Today, these systems are able to
deliver normal, 240V reliable electricity for everyday appliances.
The term Remote Area Power Systems (RAPS) is often
misleading, as many RAPS are located near urban centres. The key to whether a
RAPS is economical in your location is the comparative cost of connection to the
electricity grid.
Your home, or caravan can be supplied with electricity from a
number of generating sources other than mains power. Mr Solar can supply you
with photovoltaic modules to meet your requirements now and in the future.
Stand alone power systems consist of several basic
components and key features:
- Generation Equipment PV modules, a wind turbine or a generator can provide electricity
either on their own or in combination.
- Control and Regulation Equipment Regulators,
controllers, meters and circuit breakers may be required to control such
things as battery charging, or to prevent reverse current flow through PV's
or wind generators.
- Deep cycle batteries are most commonly
used to store energy so that a reliable source of electricity is always
available.
- Inverters These convert DC electricity
to AC electricity so that common household appliances can be used.
- System Voltage The common recommended voltages include 12V, 24V,
48V, 110V DC and 240V AC.
- Wiring and Electrical Accessories A well-designed system should
include wiring of a gauge heavy enough to keep voltage drops and energy
losses to a minimum. Adequate fusing, earthing and other protection measures
should be incorporated in the system.
- Home Design, lights and appliances The
design of any new home should incorporate energy efficient design features.
Additional, high efficient lights and appliances should be chosen to keep
the load on the system to a minimum, helping to reduce system costs.
