How to Store Extra Solar Power
If you want to have a greener home, then you should install a green energy supply into your house. Whether you want to tap geothermal, solar or wind power is up to you, but whatever type of energy you gather you need a way to store it. Because the sun does not shine 24 hours a day, if you have a solar power system in your home, you need a way to supplement the solar panels with an energy storage solution. That way, you can power your home through solar energy even at night. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Decide how much power you need to store. If you only use your solar power system to run a small appliance, such as a well pump, then you will only require a small battery system. If you are trying to store enough energy to run much of your home's electric needs, then you will need to install a larger battery bank.
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Create a suitable environment to store your batteries in. You need a room with a floor that won't get destroyed if you get battery acid on it. Good ventilation is important because batteries can sometimes vent dangerous gasses. Finally, you need a room where you can maintain the consistent temperature that is recommended for your batteries. Most batteries should be stored at 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Always consult your battery's instructions for exact specifications. A less sophisticated setup is possible, but a room like this is best for solar power rigs where you will be using many batteries to store energy.
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Decide which type of batteries you want to use and purchase them. You may choose batteries that are known as flooded. These need water added to them at periodic intervals. Sealed batteries do not need water added, but will cost more. Flooded batteries need to be stored in a room outside the house in order to prevent gas leaks and accidental exposure to sparks or fire. Sealed batteries can be used inside in some circumstances.
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Run the power from your solar panels through a solar regulator. You need to regulate the current, so the batteries are charged with the amount of power that they are rated for.
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Run any devices which require direct current (DC) power from your battery bank. You will need to install a power inverter if you want to use alternating (AC) power.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Solar panels on roof image by kuhar from Fotolia.com
