What is an Electrical Shunt?
Imagine if your phone only showed its battery voltage, like 3.7 volts or 4.2 volts. You’d have no idea how much power is left and when it might die. That’s where a shunt battery monitor comes in! Instead of puzzling over voltage readings like 12.5 volts or 24.2 in a 24 volt, or 49.5 in…
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What are MC4 Connectors?
Ever Wonder How Solar Panels Connect to a Solar System & Each Other? MC4 connectors, an abbreviation for “Multi-Contact, 4 millimetre,” have become an industry standard in the exciting world of renewable energy. These connectors play a vital role in the construction of solar panel arrays, making the process of connecting panels together…
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What is the difference between a grid-tie and an off-grid solar system?
The grid-tied solar system is when you connect solar panels interactively with the power grid;they work as one so that when the sun shines, you use the energy that you produce from yourpanels, but when the sun goes down, you rely on the grid for your energy. With an off-gridsolution, you also use what you…
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Off-Grid Solar with Lithium Battery Bank
Challenge: Needed to remove an outdated 800W wet lead acid battery-based solar system at an off-grid lakehouse and replace it with a new state of the art 5.2 KW system and Lithium powered battery bank. The Finished solar system powers the whole home, all indoor and outdoor lighting, septic pump, well pump, TVs and kitchen…
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Off-Grid Solar Ground Mount Upgrade
Challenge: A recent upgrade to an older off-grid solar system included a new inverter charger and batteries, but the outdated and under-powered solar panels lacked the proper output to effectively charge the new battery bank. Installation of a new ground mounted solar array, new controller, and breakers were needed to complete this upgrade successfully. Solution:…
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Complete Off-Grid Solar System Upgrade
Challenge: With this project, the existing solar system could not sufficiently provide enough power to enjoy the client’s lakeside off-grid home. Installation of a completely new system was required. Solution: SOLAR PANELSThe original solar provided a total of 200W, enough to power some lighting and a few small devices. Installed a new solar array that…
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Off-Grid Lakehouse
Challenge: Bringing power to a brand new off grid lakehouse. The Finished solar system powers lighting, septic pump, well pump and furnace fan as part of a whole off grid power solution that includes propane and a generator for backup. Solution: PANELSInstalled two solar arrays that collect maximum solar energy using six 400W panels in…
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Cables & Connections: 5 Mistakes
There’s a world of wire and cable out there: indoor, outdoor, waterproof, and cable that is resistant to certain temperatures. When choosing to connect a device or replace a cable or connector, it’s important to select the correct type for your project. 1. Choosing an Indoor Wire or Cable for Outdoor Applications. They manufacture outdoor…
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Why Can’t I Use Car Batteries in a Solar Power System?
A simple way of explaining why you can’t use car batteries in a solar power system is that the plates are too thin. Car batteries have thin internal plates which are meant to release large quantities of energy extremely quickly and powerfully. They are great for starting a vehicle, but terrible when running a solar…
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Safety When Working with Power
Four simple and important tips to help you avoid getting a shock while working with electrical systems. Disconnect the power. Unplug or switch off the device. Disconnect your battery if it is a vehicle. Once you have done this, use a voltmeter to confirm that there is no power in and around the wires or…
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