An Analogy to Help Understand Off Grid Solar Energy Systems

If you have a new off grid solar energy system and your power goes off every time the air conditioner turns on, what is the most likely problem?  Solar, batteries or inverters?  Not sure?

The above illustration depicts a story of a rain cloud that provides rain water to fill a lake which is used by the pumps to put out a fire.  Luckily there is a well to help if the lake runs low.

How does this help in understanding an off-grid solar system?

It helps us understand that if there is not enough rain (solar) to put a sufficient amount of water in the lake (electricity in the batteries) then the pumps (inverters) would not be able to pump (invert electricity) and put out the fire (satisfy the appliance load).  However, even if there was water (electricity) but the pumps were not capable enough, then the load still would not be satisfied.

We will go into more detail in subsequent posts.  But, to answer the original question, the first place to look would be the inverters since the problem happens every time the air conditioners come on and not just when the batteries are low.  The "pumps may not be big enough for the fire".

Of course, there could also be equipment problems, battery failure or other issues.   However with a new system, it would be prudent to check the inverters first.

Ask us for the detailed Fire and Water story including charge controllers and backup generators!   

See also "Energy" and "Power" for typical customer questions.