Solar charge controllers are needed to limit the rate of current being delivered to the battery bank and prevent battery overcharging. It is crucial for keeping the batteries healthy and extending their lifetime.
No energy independence is guaranteed without a battery bank, a group of batteries wired together. They store the power generated during peak sun hours for you to use it later at night or on cloudy days. It could also be a single unit, but stackability has its advantages. It allows you to easily replace individual batteries and increase the overall storage capacity of your system.
KiloVault CHLX 3600 is one of the stackable options we offer.
All solar systems require AC and DC safety disconnects, but for an off-grid one you will need to install an additional DC disconnect switch between the battery bank and the off-grid inverter. It is important for maintenance, troubleshooting and protection against electrical fires.
Moreover, you'll need an
off-grid inverter unless you're setting up
solar panels for your boat, RV, or something else that runs on DC current. Unlike GTIs, off-grid inverters do not have to match phase with the utility grid.
Finally, you should consider buying a backup generator, as it takes a lot of money and batteries to prepare for several consecutive cloudy days. Generators can run on propane, petroleum, gasoline and many other fuel types, but diesel is believed to be the best choice.