Alternative Energy Systems
And How They Are Hooked Up

How the various alternative energy systems are hooked up conform the different possible configurations.

There are two main types of alternative energy systems configuration.

1.Off grid systems. (not connected to the utility grid)
2.On grid or grid tied systems. (tied to the utility grid)

1. Off Grid Systems

There are four possible way to lay out an Off Grid System
1. Off Grid system DC only and no battery.
2. Off Grid system DC only with battery.
3. Off Grid system DC and AC with battery backup.
4. Off Grid Hybrid System. (AC-DC load with battery and additional power source)

1. Off Grid system DC only and no battery

This is the simplest system of all. Can be used in remote cabin or a van to power dc appliances. Such as dc fans, dc water pumps, dc radios. As long there is sun shining there is power available. This system is for day use only.

Day use system no battery only DC Load

2. Off Grid system DC only with battery.

This configuration is different than the first one, in that it contains a charge controller and a battery to backup for cloudy days or use in the night hours. But it only produce DC power.

Off Grid System with battery backup only DC load.

3. Off Grid system DC and AC with battery backup.

This system configuration is widely known as 'off grid living'. You can hook up DC and AC appliances. This configuration is likely to be found in most off grid systems for normal use. In addition to the 2nd configuration it contains an Inverter for the AC-Loads.

Off grid system with battery backup AC-DC Load

4. Off Grid Hybrid System.

This system is identical to the previous one with the exception that you can use other power sources in combination, can be for backup power or complementary power. Sources like wind turbines, hydro electric systems, diesel generators.

Diesel generators are mostly used for backup in cases like prolonged cloudy days, with little energy production of the system and battery charges are getting low or at times we need more energy or in case you have a system failure etc.

Off grid system Hybrid (additional backup power source).

2. On Grid System (Grid Tied)

You can have two possible system configurations in an On Grid System.

1. On Grid System without battery backup.

2. On Grid System with battery backup.

1. On Grid System without battery backup

A system connected to the utility grid of the Power Company.

This is a Grid tied System without battery back-up.

When your system produces more energy than needed for the household, then the extra energy will be feed back to the utility grid through the meter. And you will be credited for this thus reducing your electricity bill even more.

Consult with your Power Company.

On grid system no battery.

2. On Grid System with battery backup.

You can use battery backup when there is a Utility Power outage.

On grid system with battery backup.

With these alternative energy systems, people generate their own electricity from renewable energy, in case there is no utility grid or in case they want to reduce their monthly energy bill.

And by so doing, they help keep the environment and the planet free from pollution.

Beside the power generating parts which are the solar panels and the wind turbines, there are 3 additional main components in the alternative energy systems, which a traditional electrical system does not use, and they are:

1. The Battery

2. The Charge Controller

3. The Inverter

When generating your own electric power, keep the following in mind.

-Safety comes always in the first place. Electricity is dangerous and can be deadly. High roof tops and towers also have their hazards. Consult with experts on the matter where necessary.

-Find out for needed government permits and licenses or other applicable laws for whatever you are building.

-It is better to have a professional electrician guide you or let him do the work for you. He is acquainted with the laws and codes of electricity in your area and knows the dangers involved.

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