Long-time Direct Supplier of MidNite Solar Products
POWER BOARDS GUIDE
Conversion
& Control
POWER BOARDS:
The
Power Board groups and wires together all the electronic control, switching,
and safety equipment of a renewable energy system. It is the heart of the system
-- where the inverter(s), charge controller(s), DC and AC power centers and circuit
breakers, and meter are mounted and wired together into a functioning unit. SolarRay
designs and custom builds each power board for the requirements of the individual
system it will control -- with over a decade of experience of successfully doing
exactly that.
For
an interactive view of a powerboard, and basic information on the different components
that are integrated on a power board, click on one of the links above and go to
"conversion."
These
are complete, functioning units -- after the board is mounted to the wall, it
takes half an hour to connect battery cables and provide power for the rest of
the installation. When we build a power board that will be installed by a Do-It-Yourselfer
or electrician, we clearly label all connection points for battery cables, power
inputs (PV, wind, generator, grid, etc.), and AC and DC loads -- as well as include
any special installation instructions that might be needed. Buying
a SolarRay Power Board is the perfect way for the DIY customer to guarantee that
the heart of their system is optimally designed for their needs, using components
that are chosen to balance each other, and are correctly wired together -- using
all the specialty connectors and parts that are unavailable at the local hardware
store and are unfamiliar to the average electrician. We have seen and repaired
many systems that had all the right components but were wired together unsafely
and in ways that did not allow those components to function as they should (if
at all). A lot of design time and thought goes into the building of a power board,
and we have many years of experience to draw upon.
The
Different Levels of Power Boards:
We
build different levels of power boards for different clients, depending upon their
needs:
On the top end, we can provide fully ETL listed
power boards for clients whose systems need to pass rigorous certification standards
-- scientific/commercial or government applications, for example. Most systems
do not need to meet such a high standard. These boards can be built for any size
system.
This "Family" board includes room to
expand with one more OutBack inverter.
Ranch / Island sized boards are designed for large, full-time commercial
use and meet the latest code and design practices. Almost any electric device
can be solar powered -- within reason. Off grid versions include a generator input
and auto-start capability for a top-quality, propane generator -- to keep the
batteries from getting too low when electrical demands exceed energy production.
(See picture at top of page.)
Family sized boards are
designed for full-time family use and meet the latest code and design practices.
Most modern appliances can be used carefully, such as a microwave, Energy Star
rated refrigerator, computer, TV, washer, gas dryer, and deep well pump -- and
you can even sell power back to the grid in times of surplus production. Pure
sine wave inverters are used in these systems, so modern appliances, such as new
high-efficiency washing machines, can be used without problem. These provide "the
good life," without going overboard. Off-grid versions include a generator input,
so a high-quality portable generator can be used to keep the batteries from getting
too low when life demands more energy than the sun can provide.
Frontier sized boards are designed for full and part-time residences of
modest needs and meet the latest code and design practices.
Most modern appliances can be used carefully, such as a microwave, Energy Star
rated refrigerator, computer, TV, etc. (Forget about the sauna and the hot tub,
though). With some adjustment, a basic on-grid American life-style can be maintained
with the power of the sun and wind.
Renegade
boards are for RVs, cabins, or any portable, temporary, or emergency AC power
that is not required to meet strict code. Get some lights on at your hideaway
cabin, turn off the RV's generator and enjoy the outdoors. This size system will
run some small power tools, lights, TV, laptop computer, and cistern pump. This
is the most basic level of AC power board.
This
"Frontier" board integrates an ExelTech 1100 pure-sine inverter from the customers'
old system, to power a dedicated circuit for their Staber washing machine. The
Xantrex DR inverter is for all other household loads.
This
"Renegade" board, with a Xantrex UL inverter, was built for the customer's RV.
Components can
be pulled from a customer's existing system, then integrated onto a new power
board. (See above left)
We
built this powerboard for a client in California, then crated it and shipped it
out. Since he wanted the option to expand his system in the future, we used OutBack
PS4 AC and DC power centers, instead of PS2s, so there's room for two more OutBack
VFX 3648 inverters. The MX60 and HUB4 are mounted in the center of the board to
reduce the footprint of the powerboard, at the client's request -- these would
have to be moved, were he to decide to expand. Mounted in the PS4DC front cover
(upper right) is a TriMetric meter. All the breakers and transfer switches needed
for four inverters are already wired into the system.
Power
boards have come a long way in the last 25 years.( Look familiar? If so, it may
be time for an upgrade!) This customer's system was upgraded with the Frontier
power board shown above left (with the ExelTech and Xantrex DR inverters).
Whether ordered
as part of a SolarRay Complete System, or as a launching point for the Do-It-Yourselfer
or electrician-installed system, your SolarRay Power Board puts most of your system
components in one place -- "Done right the first time!"
If
you are looking for something more than just a power board, check out our Complete
Systems.
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