Is the solar battery effective for summer cottages and is it worth buying a kit. Solar battery for summer cottages: kit, selection features Feasibility of installing solar panels

What to do if there is no electricity at the dacha for some reason? You can, of course, adapt to such a life, enjoying the time-tested technologies: use candles and a kerosene lamp for lighting, dig up a cellar to store food, carry water in buckets and heat it on a fire, refuse a TV set, etc. However, such "rest" is unlikely to be truly comfortable: sooner or later, you will still have to look for ways to get electricity using alternative energy sources.

Most often people think about it in the following cases:

there is no way to connect a country or country house to the mains;
connecting to the mains is unreasonably expensive;
accidents constantly occur at the substation, due to which there is no light for a long time;
too little power has been allocated to the site and it is constantly not enough (this usually happens in garden partnerships with old power grids);
want to save on excessively high electricity bills.

The simplest and most affordable alternative energy source is solar panels. Silicon-based photovoltaic cells connected in an electrical circuit for energy conversion sunlight into electricity, were invented in the United States and began to be used on American and Soviet space satellites back in 1958. Nowadays, portable equipment (calculators, thermometers, flashlights), spacecraft, electric vehicles and yachts are working on them, an aircraft is even being developed that will fly using the energy obtained from solar panels.

Large solar power plants have been set up in many countries, and the French government plans to lay 1,000 km of roads with built-in solar panels, so that every kilometer of such coverage provides electricity to 5,000 people (excluding heating). Solar cells have even found applications in medicine: in South Korea, tiny solar cells are implanted into the patient's skin for the smooth operation of implanted devices, such as a pacemaker. Such long experience and widespread use of solar cells testifies to the reliability, economy and high efficiency of this technology.

In this article I will tell you about my own experience of using solar panels in the country. First of all, it should be noted that to meet the needs of a small country house in electricity, it is required to assemble a whole mini-power plant, which, in addition to the solar panels themselves, includes batteries for storing charge, a controller for controlling the system and an inverter for converting direct current into alternating current.

Solar panels for summer cottages

On the Russian market solar panels (solar panels) of domestic, European and Chinese production are presented. Domestic solar panels are installed at our dacha - we bought them directly from a manufacturer in Zelenograd. There are several specialized firms in Moscow that offer as separate elements for self installation solar mini-power plant, and full set necessary equipment with delivery and turnkey installation. The specialists of these companies give professional advice and consultations, calculate the required capacity and composition of the system for each client.

Solar panels have an unlimited lifespan. They generate 12V direct current. Depending on the size of the panel, there are different capacities. To assemble an autonomous solar mini-power plant, you need to purchase several solar panels. The exact number of batteries (more precisely, their required power) is calculated based on the potential power consumption you need. On sunny summer days, the efficiency of the panels is maximum. In cloudy weather, the panels also generate electricity, but to a lesser extent. This must be taken into account when calculating the power of the system, if you plan to use it not only in summer, but also in winter.

Deep discharge batteries

The electrical energy generated by solar panels is stored in batteries. For efficient operation of the system, it is best to use special deep-discharge gel batteries that do not require special maintenance, are sealed and safe when installed inside the house. For a small country house with a minimum power consumption, at least 3-4 batteries with a capacity of 100-120 A * h each are required. They are reliable, durable and withstand many charge and deep discharge cycles.

Battery Charge Controller

A controller is installed between solar panels that generate electricity and batteries that store this energy. Controllers differ in technical specifications and cost. Oddly enough, this is the most important control element of a solar mini-power plant: the controller protects the batteries from full discharge and overcharge, which are very dangerous for them. In the event of an impermissibly low battery discharge, the controller disconnects the load. In the event that the batteries are fully charged, the controller does not allow the energy from the solar panels to flow into the batteries.

Inverter

Solar panels produce 12V DC, while most electrical appliances operate on 220V AC. Therefore, an inverter is included in the mini solar power plant system, which converts direct current 12V to alternating current 220V. It is best to use more expensive inverters that provide a so-called pure sine wave current ("pure sine"). Cheaper inverters that generate a modified sine wave current may not be suitable for some equipment.

Electricity consumers

As a rule, in all solar mini-power plants, separate sockets are installed for devices (consumers) operating from direct current (12V) and alternating current (220V). Energy-efficient lighting devices, water pumps, refrigerators, and even televisions can be powered by direct current. All other equipment requires 220V alternating current. Whenever possible, choose equipment that consumes as little electricity as possible - in the modern home appliance market there is a huge selection of such energy-saving devices.

Own experience and impressions

At our dacha, a small solar battery system successfully worked for several years, until it became possible to connect to the general power grid. Of course, when, after installing the solar panels, we were able to turn on the normal lights, refrigerator, water pump, antenna and TV, it was just a miracle.

However, the system must be constantly monitored and maintained in the correct, efficient condition. For example, the contacts at the junction of the wires from the solar panels with the charge controller periodically oxidize and cease to conduct high-quality charging. Therefore, they must be periodically cleaned and reconnected. If this is not done, then the charge from the batteries does not fully enter the batteries, the mini-power plant accumulates a smaller supply of electricity than calculated, and when the usual (calculated for it) load is turned on, it can no longer cope: the discharge rate becomes faster than the charge rate. In addition, if the system is budgetary and not very powerful, it is necessary to very clearly understand which electrical appliances can be turned on at the same time and which cannot.

While my husband and I had the opportunity to often travel to the dacha and monitor the solar panels, everything worked well and no problems arose. But when the responsibility to keep the system in working order fell on the shoulders of our elderly parents, problems began with its functioning, because they did not have enough knowledge and experience. As a result, it was decided to take advantage of the opportunity to connect to a regular power grid so as not to burden them with unnecessary worries.

Based on our experience, I can say that it is quite possible to assemble a fairly budget autonomous mini-power plant on solar panels. And it will really work reliably and efficiently, providing the basic needs of a small country house. However, in order to maintain it in good condition, it is necessary to carefully study the issue and periodically carry out its diagnostics and prevention.

V modern world a person can no longer imagine his life without the use of electrical energy. In addition to standard methods of obtaining electrical power, there are alternative ones. By using solar panels in the country, you can provide constant lighting, power supply to any household electrical appliances, some types of garden equipment, and much more. The received energy will be absolutely free and practically uninterrupted.

For the right choice solar battery (SB), you need to know how it works, because many ordinary users (without special education) believe that solar batteries are a kind of element capable of storing solar energy.

The scheme of obtaining electricity using the sun

In fact, the conversion of sunlight hitting the surface of a battery into an electric current is a rather complicated process. The solar module is a crystalline (silicon or gallium) plate that converts the energy of a light flux into an electric current due to its physicochemical properties and processes.

From the solar module, electricity flows through wires to the storage battery (AB), feeding it. The full battery charge is determined by the controller. In operating mode, the current flows from the battery to the inverter, and from it to electrical appliances and lighting. In this process, there is also a standby mode, when charging has already been completely completed, and the inverter is not yet turned on (for example, people are sleeping or have gone to visit).

The main elements of the SB:

Solar module. Depending on the version, it produces a voltage of 6-40 volts. At home, modules for 12 or 18 volts are usually used, less often for 24 or more.
The charge level regulator (controller) is necessary for the timely transition of the device from the charging mode to the standby or working state. Compliance with these modes can significantly increase the service life of batteries.
Accumulators are a storage element capable of storing the energy received from solar modules for some time.
An inverter is a device that converts direct current into alternating current, which is necessary to power many household electrical appliances.

Solar panel layout

For reliable and trouble-free operation, additional elements must be added to the scheme described above to ensure the trouble-free operation of the solar module, battery and inverter.

Protective devices (circuit breakers, relays) are a necessary element for the safe use of the battery and its components.
Automation is a set of system elements that switch the electrical system of the house from the power supply to the regular (city) power grid, in the event of malfunctions, and vice versa, when they are eliminated. All elements of the "solar" network (in this case) go into standby mode.

Solar batteries are made from different materials and they are different types... The total power of one module for household needs (depending on the size) is 10-350 watts.

For calculation the required amount cells take the average value that any battery should provide in cloudy weather - 80-100 W / sq. m.

If you completely cover a house with a roof area of 100 sq. m, then the average power will be:

100 * 100 = 10000 W = 10 kW,

which is quite enough for the operation of all electrical appliances.

Solar panels on the roof

But in everyday life, silicon SBs of only three types are used:

Monocrystalline.
Polycrystalline.
Thin film.

Let's consider each of them.

Monocrystalline modules

For manufacturing, homogeneous silicon crystals are used. Special conditions created during cultivation determine their high quality, as well as the reliability and efficiency of the SB itself.

Monocrystalline modules

The price for them is high (in comparison with others), and installation of the device and subsequent operation sometimes causes difficulties. Care must be taken when cleaning the plates. The slightest pressure and they can crack.

Such SBs are often contaminated and their efficiency drops. Effective use can be organized if you have sufficient funds for cleaning or if you use such a system as a temporary back-up.

Silicon modules using polycrystals (polycrystalline)

The performance of modules of this type is low due to the fact that materials of lower quality are used for their creation. As a result, polycrystalline modules have an efficiency 5-10% less than monocrystalline ones.

But they withstand cleaning freely. Due to the polycrystalline structure, it is quite difficult to damage them.

Thin Film Modules

They are made from silicon (amorphous) or from other materials that contain impurities necessary for the conversion process.

Thin Film Modules

The purchase and operation of modules of this type have their positive and negative sides.

little weight;
easy transportation and installation;
low cost;
design flexibility.

low efficiency (10-12%);
short term of use.

It is advisable that you find a security installation specialist. You can find out about it in the store where you make a purchase or in the global network. If you do the installation yourself, you need to know several features of the operation of such equipment.

Installation of solar panels

It is best and easiest to mount batteries in your country house on the roof of the house. This is the largest area, but there are several nuances:

Installation is best done where the rays will illuminate the battery at an angle of 90 ° most of the day.

At self-assembly SAT remember that for best result(maximum efficiency), batteries in summer are placed at 40-45 degrees to the horizon with a direction to the south

Correct battery placement

With inaccurate placement, the rays of the daylight hit the surface of the module at the wrong angle, which significantly reduces their power.

To maintain constant efficiency, the batteries must be mounted on special swing arms.

This is necessary so that the angle of inclination can be changed in different seasons. Indeed, in winter the sun is much lower than in the rest of the year.

Ideally, it is desirable that, even during the day, the batteries were turned to the luminary at an angle of 90 °. Indeed, in a stationary position, the SB will give full power when the sun is at its zenith. And when the sun rises or sets, the efficiency will be low.

Mounts for solar panels

To eliminate this drawback, a special servo mechanism with photocells and automation is required (you can buy or subscribe through the global network). This system, in fact, will "follow" the sun and turn the SB to the desired angle.

It works like this.

A circuit with a photocell, adjusted to a certain level of illumination, is connected to the electric motors that move the SB. As soon as the amount of light changes (the sun is "gone", the cloud), the device gives a command to the motors, and they rotate until the level of illumination of the photocell reaches the desired value.

Such a device can be made by hand. One of the options can be seen in the video:

In this design, the angle of inclination of the batteries (depending on the height of the sun above the ground) is changed using a pump and pistons, and the movement of the sun during the day is monitored by a separate (for each module) motor.

Heating the house (if you do not have a gas pipeline) can be completely made electric. This can be done with solar modules if they cover a large area.

Moreover, there are two options for such heating:

Immediate. Heating devices (stove, air heater, etc.) are directly connected to the power source.
Indirect heating, for example, water. In an electric boiler, a liquid boils, which, passing through the pipes, heats them up and carries heat (using a pump) to all rooms.

The first option is considered effective. Its advantages are in the absence of pipes, economy and ease of operation.

Heating a private house with solar panels

Among the shortcomings, they distinguish rapid cooling and high energy consumption, because the devices must be turned on at full power all the time (1-3 kW in each room).

The second option is much more expensive, but has many positive qualities:

Low electricity consumption. The supply of the main amount of energy is needed only at the very beginning - when heating the liquid.
Most of the time, only one small 0.3-1 kW pump runs.
High heat capacity.

Disadvantages:

costs for a boiler, pipes, connecting elements;
payment for installation plumbing works;
difficulties in installation and connection.

Heating scheme with the participation of solar panels and a gas boiler

From the above, you can find out that the SB with an area of less than 70 sq. m will not be able to heat all the rooms to the fullest if you have direct heating devices installed - there is simply not enough energy. But it may well be enough for the second (water) option.

Positive properties include:

Free electricity (excluding start-up investments) and the possibility of full autonomy.
An endless source of energy.
Absolutely quiet process of obtaining energy.
When choosing high-quality equipment - long years of operation (without expensive maintenance).
The absence of any documents for permission to install or use.
Do-it-yourself installation is possible.

In winter, batteries work less efficiently due to reduced daylight hours

Negative properties include:

High cost of equipment.
In areas and regions where the sun rarely shines, and there are many cloudy days, the equipment will work ineffectively.
Productivity (as a percentage) decreases by 1-2% every year.

The feasibility of installing solar panels

In order to effectively and profitably invest your own funds, you need to decide in advance what goals you are pursuing.

If your area experiences frequent, but short-term power outages, and you want to acquire a reserve, this is not the best solution.

Installing a solar battery is quite expensive, therefore, its purchase should be carried out only during long-term power outages or in its complete absence.

Factors That May Affect The Purchase Of Solar Panels

The need for autonomy or the desire to use environmentally friendly energy production.
The need for a backup source in case of frequent blackouts or complete power outages
Desire to reduce utility bills.

If you do want to install batteries, then you need to involve energy specialists to calculate your average daily and average monthly electricity consumption. And only after that, taking into account your needs, decide whether to spend money on acquiring SB or not.

Solar panels are a term that is increasingly common in the modern world. But is it worth it? Can you really save money by switching to "free" energy? And does it make sense for the middle class to use solar energy?

The answer to this question is possible only after learning about the intentions of the consumer. Market prices in this segment are currently high, and the payback will be achieved in a few years at best. Moreover, the greatest benefits are obtained in places in which there are much more sunny days a year, and little rainfall.

Already today, there are quite budget solar panels, which will be enough to illuminate a country house, and somewhat more expensive to provide electricity to the whole house.

There are many variations, in which the main thing for consumers is of course the amount of energy generated. In general, there are many manufacturers of solar panels, and now there is a wide range that will allow you to choose the most suitable for each customer. (Read about the criteria and nuances of choosing solar panels).

Despite the fact that prices are still above average, and not everyone can afford such pleasure, it is interesting that prices are falling every year.

For comparison, modern panels have fallen in price over the past 5 years by more than 3 times.

Payback

Solar panels included Only for the sake of nature conservation, no one will switch to "clean" energy. Most often, people think about saving. And the answer to the main question is YES, saving when using solar panels for summer cottages is not fiction, but a real fact, and this can be noticed within a few years after the purchase and installation of all the components necessary for converting the sun's rays into electricity.

It is also worth considering the fact that panels alone are not enough to switch to "clean" energy. You will also need some separate elements such as (an electronic circuit that controls the battery charge), (changes the frequency of the alternating current), etc.

But, in order for everyone who wants to quickly install solar panels in their dacha to accomplish their plans without unnecessary hassle, suppliers recommend buying exactly sets of solar panels, which are of different types, and include everything you need to install solar panels as on dacha and in a private house as the main and additional way of obtaining electricity for a house or a summer residence.

Criterias of choice

First of all, you need to decide on the power (which is usually in the range of 250 - 10,000 W), taking into account the difference in price.

Later, if necessary, it is naturally possible to expand your "solar power plant".

It is also worth paying attention to such characteristics as:

power of the connected load (0.5 - 5 kW, as a rule);
battery capacity;
and, of course, the most important thing is the generation of electricity for a certain period of time.

Installing solar panels at your summer cottage will also not be difficult for a person with minimal wiring skills and the ability to follow instructions.

If you are not confident in yourself, it always makes sense to contact the specialists, of whom there are really many, because it is really easy to install such panels, especially after reading a certain amount of literature that is freely available on the Internet.

Installation nuances

Solar panels on stands First of all, you need to decide where to install those same solar modules. Generally, the best option installation on the roof of a house, or summer cottage, is best on the south side, but you can easily install several solar panels in your garden, on special stands.

Do not forget that solar panels allow you not only to save money cash but also take care of environment... After all this way receiving electricity is one of the few "safe" or "clean", and given also the inexhaustibility of sunlight, and independence from various factors (no more light in your shower!) solar panels can not only be installed for yourself, but also advised to friends and loved ones.

In conclusion, we can say that it is really worth switching to solar energy, there are too many obvious advantages overlapping those minor disadvantages, of which, of course, the most noticeable is the price (do not forget that everything will pay off over time) and to simplify the transition, it is worth using sets of solar panels.

More and more people who have already installed solar panels in the country use them not only to provide electricity to their home, but also to illuminate their summer cottage and to ensure the operation of devices that use electricity in the yard of the country.

Mini-fountain on a solar battery One of these is a fountain on a solar battery, its advantage is that it can be carried to any place on your site, the fountain is completely autonomous and unpretentious in operation. At the heart of the fountain's design is a solar-powered pump.

The principle of the fountain is very simple. The solar panel receives energy from the sun and generates an electric current, which is supplied to the pump, in turn, the pump begins to supply water to the fountain and it pours out of the decorative rod, and the excess energy produced can be used for your own needs. One purchase - and you are independent!

Watch a video in which a specialist explains the main criteria for buying solar panels for a summer residence or a private house:

With the onset of spring, a mass migration of townspeople begins out of the city, to their dachas. It is good if the suburban area is located near the main power lines and is connected to them. And if not? Then the problem of electrifying a country house can be solved by installing a gasoline (gas) generator, a wind power plant or a solar power plant. Of these three options for solving the problem, the third option is the most optimal. It does not require large investments, and solar panels with a capacity of three kilowatts in the country are quite enough to provide comfortable accommodation outside the city during the entire spring-summer period.

Solar power plant from Real Solar

The St. Petersburg company Real Solar has been operating in the solar photovoltaic market since 2010. During this time, a great deal of experience has been accumulated in the design and installation of autonomous power supply systems in summer cottages, country houses, and cottages. Often, installing a helium home power plant is the best solution to the problem of providing electricity to remote buildings. If in order to bring to country house power line (it does not matter, an overhead line or lay a cable), sometimes you need to spend up to three hundred thousand rubles, then for the same amount you can buy a small solar power plant that will serve faithfully for decades. Plus, you don't have to pay for electricity.

For a small country house, it is quite enough to install a helium power plant with a capacity of three kilowatts. With a light load, such an installation may well provide round-the-clock autonomous power supply. Its capacity is sufficient to maintain the operation of a refrigerator with a chamber volume of up to 300 liters and energy-saving class "A" lighting with energy-saving lamps. In addition, TVs of any models, radios, tape recorder, computer, various power tools, the starting power of which does not exceed 4.5 kilowatts, a garden pump or submersible pump for the pool, as well as any chargers for various gadgets.

Solar power plant kit from Real Solar

If the summer cottage is connected to the main power supply network, but the owner of the summer cottage, nevertheless, wants to install a helium power plant, then the company, at the request of the customer, can replace the autonomous inverter with a hybrid one. Then the consumer will receive the missing power from the main power grid, and if, on the contrary, he has a surplus of electricity, then this surplus will be given to the network. After the adoption of the law on the "green tariff", the payment for electricity will be made according to the difference between the consumed and delivered power, which will be recorded by a bidirectional meter.

This solar power plant is equipped with the so-called traction batteries of the American company Trojan battery. Such batteries are very well suited for small self-contained helium electrical installations. According to the manufacturer's specifications, the number of recharge cycles they have is more than 850. The use of these batteries as part of the equipment of this solar power plant is due to their unpretentiousness, great endurance when operating in extreme cyclic modes.

A typical set of the power plant includes eight Trojan T-105RE 6V batteries, which, when fully charged, store eight kilowatt-hours of electricity. The duration of continuous work without recharging (dark time of the day, prolonged absence of the sun) for a load of one kilowatt is eight hours. At the request of the customer, the number of batteries can be increased by eight, sixteen units. Accordingly, the battery runtime per load also increases.

It is possible to connect a gasoline (gas) or wind generator for recharging batteries when long absence sun (cloudy weather for several days, dark time of the day). In this case, the autonomous MAC-inverter acts as a charger.

Main technical characteristics:

Working voltage - 48 volts, direct current
Output voltage - 220 volts, 50 hertz
Output contacts - 220 volts Two sockets, terminal block of the main switchboard
Output working power - 2 kilowatts
Peak output power - (no more than 30 seconds) 3.8 kilowatts
Rated power of helium modules - 1000 watts

A typical set of a solar power plant includes four polycrystalline helium modules, one battery charge controller, a display for an MPRT controller, a MAC inverter, four batteries, two MC4 connectors included, two MC4T connectors included.

In addition to the main components, the delivery set also includes six jumpers for batteries 250 mm long, one 500 mm long, and one 750 mm long. All jumpers are made of 25 mm² wire. The standard delivery also includes a rack for battery and instrumentation, a distribution board, a connecting cable for a battery charge controller, two meters long, with a cross-section of 16 mm², kits for fixing helium panels and mounting equipment.

Under a separate agreement, the company carries out installation and programming of the station at the customer's site.

The cost of the kit is 270,000 rubles.

Solar power plant from Helios House

Helios House has chosen design, supply, commissioning and maintenance as its main focus. autonomous systems power supply for private houses, summer cottages, separately located farm objects.

The company sells power plants of various configurations and capacities designed to implement well-defined functions, for example, to provide autonomous lighting on garden plot, to maintain the operation of the most essential electrical appliances in the country, for example, a refrigerator or a TV. Naturally, the assortment of the company also includes kits that ensure comfortable living in the country, not only during the entire spring-summer period, but, if necessary, also in the autumn-winter period.

Each kit has its own name, immediately revealing the purpose of this installation. For giving, country house, in which the daily consumption can range from three to five kilowatt-hours, the company offers a kit called " Vacation home". This kit is designed to supply electricity to a country house, a small cottage from March to September and operates only on solar energy. The kit can be used in winter, but in conditions of less solar radiation, it is recommended to use a hybrid system for connecting to the central grid or from auxiliary generating devices.

Set of solar power plant "Country House"

This kit includes four monocrystalline solar modules with a capacity of 200 watts each, two gel batteries Delta GX 12-200, having a service life of 12 years and a capacity of 200 ampere-hours each, an uninterruptible power supply with an output of 24/220 volts, 3000 watts, MRRT-battery charge controller. The delivery set also includes a cable, connectors, jumpers, splitters, mounting hardware.

The cost of the set is 162 353 rubles.

If we turn to the catalogs of solar photovoltaic products, it is easy to see that the market is now saturated with a wide variety of products. And you can choose for your needs exactly what will suit the customer in terms of configuration, power, and price.

Model: SR-800

Solar power plant SR-800 is intended for use in the country as a system backup power supply in case of blackouts lasting one to two days. If you need an autonomous power plant for a summer residence, then pay attention to other ready-made solutions- and .

The power of the PS800-24 inverter is sufficient to operate a two-chamber single-compressor refrigerator of class A with a capacity of up to 300 liters, lighting, TV, radio, computer, drill, jigsaw, any chargers, etc. In short, any electrical equipment with a maximum total power of up to 800 W with a peak starting power of up to 1.2 kW.

Two batteries with a capacity of 55 A * h and a voltage of 12 Volts are capable of storing about 1.3 kW * h of electricity, which in cloudy weather will be enough to operate the following electrical appliances for 24 hours:

Refrigerator with a consumption of 850 W * h / day - 850 W * h
Energy-saving lighting lamps (3 pcs. 20 W for 3 hours / day) - 180 W * h
TV 21 "(50 W, 3 hours a day) - 150 W * h
Charger mobile phone (5 W, 3 hours) - 15 W * h
Drill (600 W, works 10 minutes or 0.167 hours) - 100 W * h

Total: 1.295 kWh / day.

Two solar panels with a total capacity of 200 W will produce about 1 kW * h / day in clear weather in the Moscow region. Thus, with a daily consumption of 1 kW * h and clear weather, the energy of the batteries will be enough for round-the-clock power supply to your summer house for an unlimited period. However, if the power consumption is greater than the total energy received from solar panels, or in case of cloudy weather, the actual battery life will be about two days.

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