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DOMESTIC ENERGY SYSTEMS
On grid Systems
On-grid houses usually don’t run on batteries. Power is supplied using photovoltaic panels and mechanical turbines that turn an electrical generator which by use of a converter produces electricity in the form of 120/240 volt alternating current to run appliance in the home. When the current produced by the turbines is not sufficient to supply all of the power needed the grid provides for the deficiency. When the turbines produce more electricity that is needed this excess is in many cases purchased by the public power provider. I recommend that even though there is grid power available for backup sufficient battery storage should be installed to supply emergency power to emergency lighting, communication equipment, alarm system, etc. when the grid is down due to stormy weather or other events.Off grid Systems
Off-grid houses usually must run on batteries. During the periods when there is no wind or sun the batteries must supply all the power to the home. The modern off-grid home is supplied with electricity in the form of 120/240 volt alternating current. This is accomplished by using mechanical photovoltaic panels and turbines to turn an electrical generator which stores the energy in batteries. The energy stored in the batteries is converted to 120/220 volt alternating current by an inverter when it is used to power appliances in the home. With off-grid systems it is sometimes advisable to provide gas driven electrical generators to provide emergency power during equipment failure or other emergencies.POWER GENERATION
Solar Power Generators
Solar energy is converted to electrical energy by photovoltaic cells arranged in arrays to form solar panels. An average home uses about 12-20 kWh/day.The solar energy varies from area to area, season to season and morning to night. The average amount of sunlight varies in different parts of the world. The amount of sunlight in Summer is much greater than in Winter. The effective solar energy is affected by clouds, humidity and rain. In areas where there is much rain and overcast skies the average amount of sunlight will be less than in arid areas as a general rule. The effective solar energy is also affected by shade from surrounding building, trees, etc. Here are two links from a very informative website that illustrate the difference in solr energy from one area to another. Global Solar Power Map Overview of worldwide solar power average Peak Sun Hours and Global Solar Power Map North America from Canada to TexasWind Generator
Wind energy is converted to electrical energy using mechanical turbines. The effective wind energy varies from area to area, season to season, and time of day. Like solar energy wind energy is affected by buildings, trees and other obstacles. Annual Average Wind Resource Estimates in the Contiguous United States and more.To get started Just click the following link for instant access:
EARTH 4 ENERGY MANUAL