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Issue #218 September 2008
Living and Working Off the Grid
Part 2: Installation and Performance
by George Martin
George continues describing how he installed an off-grid photovoltaic (PV) power-generating system in New Mexico. He details how he mounted the panels, connected the batteries, and monitored the system’s performance.
Start | Main Outback Mounting Panel | Mounting Equipment | Backup Generator | Temporary Battery Installation | Solar Panels | The Bigger The Backhoe, The Bigger The Mess | Charge Controllers | Wire Sizing | Configuration & Performance | Findings | Sources & PDF
Last time, I described the planning and design phase of our off-the-grid solar system in Silver City, NM. This month, I will cover the installation process and explain how the system operates.
All the mounting, wiring, and enclosures had to comply with the latest National Electrical Code (NEC) and any local variations. The code is there for a purpose. There may be variation in the details with your local installer or inspector, but approaching them in a professional manner will go a long way. Remember, as Al Capone once said, “You can get much further with a kind word and a gun than you can with a kind word alone.” Refer to the National Fire Protection Association’s web site for information on the 2008 National Electrical Code (NEC2008), which is the latest version (www.nfpa.org).
The building where this equipment was to be installed was under construction during the planning stages of this project, so I was free to configure things as I saw fit. Actually, one of my original requirements was that the system wouldn’t impact our lifestyle. As a result, the interface to the house from the solar equipment panel looks just like power came in from a utility. I have normal outlets throughout the house. No strange DC outlets or any goofy low-voltage wiring. I use normal 110/220 all the way.
Let me also add that it soon became clear that I did not want to try to read and understand the code. So, I approached the electrician who won the bid on the house’s electrical work. TAZ Electric (Tim Clark and son) used to be located in Alaska. Installing solar systems was what Tim did for a living. Jackpot! He agreed to wire up the equipment. What a big load off my mind. Also, he was comfortable with me doing as much or as little of the work as I wanted. All of the pieces were falling into place.
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