TOP 10: popular solar power plants for home, main parameters, price and where to buy

In homes where there is no lighting provided by main lines, a solar power plant for the home will help out, allowing you to use a refrigerator, TV, pump, etc. throughout the season.

This alternative source will allow you to forget about the exhaust gases and noise typical of a gasoline generator, as well as about frequent breakdowns, compliance with safety regulations, purchasing fuel and its delivery.

There are a huge number of solar power plants on the market, but below is the TOP 10 most popular.

TOP 10: MUST 750-3000-6, 3 kW 2 kW

Review

This model of solar power plant has the ability to connect a generator that will charge the batteries.

The model differs from its predecessors in improved performance:

• generation power reached 750 W, which means the amount of energy accumulated from the sun during the day;
• battery capacity of 6 kW/h - a value that affects the duration of operation of loads at night;
• the amount of inverter power;
• power of simultaneously connected load – 3.0 kW;
• starting power (peak) – 9 thousand watts;
• output voltage - 230 V;
• installed and rated power – 750 W/h and 3000 W;
• daily generation – about 4.5 kW/h per day;

The operation of a solar power plant powered by solar energy is monitored using the display and LED indication of the controller, as well as the inverter.

Continuous energy supply is possible thanks to the extremely efficient use of solar energy, ensured by the continuous search for the highest capacity using the charge controller and the inverter's own low consumption.

In addition, a solar power plant allows you to save a lot of money, since it does not require consumables and maintenance.

Advantages

• The system is a ready-made solution for power supply to the premises;
• Environmentally clean energy;
• Fast payback – 4 years;
• Combined operation with a generator in cold weather (autumn and winter);
• Automatic start of the generator that charges the battery, which reduces its operating time by 305 times;
• Easy to maintain and operate;
• Long service period;
• Possibility of increasing capacity and power.

Completeness

The solar power station kit consists of:

• Panels – 3 pcs. (polycrystal);
• Controller – 1 pc.;
• Chargers and inverter – 1 pc.;
• Helium power source (battery) – 4 pcs.;
• DC control panel – 1 pc.;
• Set of cables.

It is advisable to install a shield between the batteries of a solar power plant for a summer residence and the inverter, but it is not necessary.

For systems using solar energy, the greatest importance is the amount of energy consumed per day and consumed, and not its instantaneous cut.

Price

Online stores offer profitable purchases of solar power plants:

Real heating methods

As you understand from the above, it is quite difficult (and expensive) to implement full-fledged electric heating of a house with solar panels. Not every owner will decide to buy and install panels on an area of ​​100–150 m² in order to warm up a small house or cottage. This means that the circuit of electric boiler + water system + heating radiators is eliminated.

But the idea of ​​heating with solar modules still cannot be called a utopia. We list the options implemented by homeowners in practice:

• panels plus inverter air conditioners with a COP efficiency of 3.5–4;
• connecting batteries directly to electric heaters without an inverter;
• construction of a full-fledged solar power plant, sale of electricity to the state, the proceeds go to pay for traditional heating.

Addition. There is no point in discussing the use of panels as additional energy sources for main heating - this is an obvious solution.

Let's start with the third option, which is of interest to entrepreneurs. In countries where the state has established a so-called feed-in tariff, the homeowner can receive electricity from renewable sources and feed it into the general energy grid, making a profit. That is, the homeowner purchases the same 200–300 solar panels, but sells the energy at a good price, rather than wasting it in vain.

A large number of batteries will not fit on the roof of a residential building; a high-power station will have to be placed on the site

For example, in Ukraine the green tariff is 3 times higher than the usual one (as of June 2022). One condition must be met: the minimum productivity of the solar power plant is 30 kW. Build a power plant, supply energy to the network, and buy it yourself at three times the price.

Let's look at the remaining 2 options in more detail.

Heating by air conditioners

The method is based on the efficiency of inverter split systems, which deliver four times more heat inside the house than the electricity consumed. How to implement such heating:

1. First of all, we reduce the heat loss of the building as much as possible - we insulate the walls, floors and roof, and install energy-saving windows. The ideal heat consumption for a home of 100 m² is 6 kW.
2. We purchase 2 air conditioners with inverter compressors that operate at subzero outside temperatures. The total productivity of the units should be equal to the heat loss of the house, in our case - 6 kW. The consumption of such “splits” will not exceed 2 kW.
3. We are installing a solar station capable of providing electricity to air conditioners around the clock.
4. For heating on the coldest days, it is worth installing any traditional heat source - a boiler, a wood stove.

Mitsubishi Zubadan heat pumps consume even less energy than air conditioners, and generate four times more heat (COP = 4).
The video at the end of this section confirms that the described scheme is quite workable. One significant disadvantage: at negative temperatures, the efficiency of air conditioners decreases sharply; you cannot do without the help of a boiler. In temperate and northern climates, solar modules cannot cope alone.

Note. Most inverter split systems can operate in temperatures down to -15 °C. The COP efficiency factor is reduced to 1.5–2 (twice as much heat is generated as electricity consumed).

Using local heaters

We are talking about a significant reduction in the cost of the system in the case of using unpretentious consumers - conventional fan heaters. Due to the lack of an inverter, you will have to connect 12-volt heaters to the solar modules (you can take a car heater or do it yourself).

How to assemble a solar power generator:

1. We install the required number of batteries with an operating voltage of 12 volts.
2. We connect them with 2.5 mm² wires according to the diagram below - without an inverter.
3. We connect the load - a low-power 12 V fan heater.

In the video below, a specialist describes in detail all the nuances of such a connection. The method is suitable for heating individual rooms with 1–1.5 kW fan heaters. Heating the entire house is more difficult - you need to assemble several separate circuits with solar panels so as not to increase the cross-section of the wires.

TOP 9: Aurinko® Oazis-1

Characteristics

• Type of battery and panels – ADM and monocrystalline;
• Operating period – 6 years;
• Type of power and service life of panels – 500 W and 30 years;
• Batteries – capacity 200 A/h.

Description

This solar power plant, which is based on solar modules, is used to convert solar energy into electricity.

A solar power plant will become a reliable additional source of energy supply for a country house, allowing you to use the equipment necessary for a comfortable existence:

• refrigerator and microwave;
• TV and well pump;
• lighting and PC devices;
• washing machine, etc.

Completeness

The solar power station kit consists of:

• module Au-FSM-250M – 2 pcs.;
• one controller;
• batteries type DELTA GX 12-200, made using GEL technology - 2 pcs.;
• inverter – 1 pc.

Price

Criterias of choice

The only criterion when designing a home power plant and choosing equipment for it should be feasibility.

However, this concept is broad; understanding it will require taking into account many factors:

• Average and maximum power consumption.
• Performance of solar modules.
• Availability of a stationary electrical network and mode of operation together with it.

• Geographical location of the area and climatic conditions.
• Financial capabilities of the home owner.

TOP 8: autonomous solar lighting 30 W

Review

The system is completely independent. It provides itself with energy by absorbing sunlight.

The main elements that form it are the following:

• gel battery;
• solar modules;
• powerful LED lamp;
• charge controller.

How does it work?

The modules absorb solar energy during daylight hours. It accumulates in the battery, then is converted into electrical energy used in everyday life. The controller protects the battery from overcharging.

This leads to an increase in service life, which has a positive effect on the user’s finances. In addition, the controller acts as a light sensor. In other words, at nightfall, it turns on the LED lamp, which illuminates a certain place throughout the night, and at dawn the controller automatically turns it off.

After this, the process of solar energy accumulation continues.

Contents of delivery

It includes the following elements:

• solar module with a power of 200 W – 2 pcs.;
• 90-watt LED light;
• gel battery with a capacity of 200 Ah – 2 pcs.;
• support - height 10 meters;
• controller;
• pipe foundation 3 meters long;
• bracket for fixing the panel;
• connecting cable;
• battery protective box.

Options

• Manufacturer: GS-Lux;
• Used for local lighting (parking lots, streets, squares, etc.);
• Type – stationary;
• Autonomous operation for 37.5 hours, which corresponds to 3 nights in the summer.

The picture below introduces the parameters in more detail:

Price

The price for a solar power plant for a home is shown in the table:

Where is the best place to install the panels?

The first thing you need to do before installing and connecting a solar battery is to decide on the location of the unit.

To install photovoltaic modules, it is convenient to use stationary structures made of metal profiles, or more modernized rotary analogues

Solar panels can be placed in almost any well-lit point:

• on the roof of a country cottage;
• on the balcony of an apartment building;
• in the area adjacent to the house.

The main thing is to provide the necessary conditions for obtaining maximum electricity generation. One of these is the orientation and angle of inclination relative to the horizon. So the light-absorbing surface of the unit should be directed to the south.

Ideally, the sun's rays should fall on it at 90°. To achieve this effect, it is necessary to select the optimal slope angle depending on the climatic conditions of the region. This indicator is different for each region.

To ensure maximum performance of solar panels, it is recommended to change the angle of the devices 2-4 times a year: April 18, August 24, October 7 and March 5

For example, in the Moscow region, the angle of inclination of the surface of solar panels for the summer months is 15-20°, and in the winter months it changes to 60-70°.

Image gallery

Photo from

The most popular place to install solar panels

Positioning on rotating stands

Mounting solar panels on the facade

Solar panels on the attic fence

When placing solar panels in the area adjacent to the house, it is better to raise the panels above the soil surface by at least half a meter - in case a large amount of snow falls. This solution is also correct in the sense that it provides sufficient distance for air circulation.

It is worth remembering that even a small shadow has a detrimental effect on the electricity generation of the unit. Panels should be placed only in places that are not subject to even the slightest shading.

Some “craftsmen” install additional glass on top of the panels to protect the batteries, but even with visible transparency, the glass layer can reduce the efficiency of the panels by 30%

There are several ways to fix the panels:

• by activating the clamping clamps;
• by bolting through through holes located at the bottom of the frame.

The supporting structure must be made of corrosion-resistant materials. Regardless of the installation method, you cannot make changes to the panel design yourself or drill additional holes.

It is the homeowner's job to keep the panels clean. Collecting dust, snow and bird droppings on the screen will reduce the amount of electricity produced by the system by at least 10%.

TOP 7: ASE “Sanforce 780”

An autonomous system for supplying energy to dachas and country cottages uses solar energy. It allows the smooth operation of devices without which modern people cannot imagine a comfortable existence.

Equipment set

• Module FSM-260P – 3 pieces;
• Inverter with controller – 1 pc.;
• MC4 connector – 1 set.

The last two elements of the power plant are equipped with a built-in LED display that is backlit and allows the current and voltage at the circuit input from the solar modules to be visually assessed, as well as the voltage with the battery charging current and the state of charge of the latter.

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An inverter is necessary to convert the DC battery voltage of 24V into a sinusoidal alternating voltage of 220V (frequency 50 Hz), which is necessary for the operation of devices necessary for a smooth life:

• laptops and DVD players;
• PC and pumps;
• Televisions and lighting devices:
• Chargers and other household appliances with a power of up to 1600 Watts.

Technical indicators

• Rated voltage – 24 V;
• Rated inverter power - 1600 W;
• Installed power – 789 W;
• Battery capacity -144 Ah.

Advantages

• ASE are sold in working condition, i.e. they are ready for installation.
• Short time for commissioning and connection.

Price

You can buy a solar power plant at a price of 95 thousand rubles in online stores:

Kinds

Monocrystalline

Such batteries visually look like panels with deep black segments. They got their name due to their design based on silicon single crystals.

The most significant drawback is the strict orientation of the optical axes of the crystals, which requires precise positioning of the panels to obtain maximum efficiency. For the same reason, single crystals do not tolerate shading - energy generation is significantly reduced.

Currently they have the highest conversion efficiency - about 22%. At the same time, the cost is also the highest - about 0.9-1.1 dollars per 1 W of generated power.

Polycrystalline modules

Such batteries received their name due to the placement of many silicon crystals with randomly oriented optical axes on a substrate. Visually, such modules are distinguished by their blue color with a “frosty” pattern.

Naturally, this arrangement of crystals caused a loss of conversion efficiency - it is at a loss of 11-16%. However, this also made it possible to increase the efficiency of operation in diffused light, which as a result led to the creation of panels that successfully compete with monocrystalline ones (all other things being equal, for example, dimensions) in terms of generation power. Moreover, in terms of price they are significantly better and cost 0.7-0.9 dollars per 1 W.

Amorphous

The technology for manufacturing the working fluid is similar to polycrystalline ones, but the base is amorphous silicon (aSi). With an efficiency of 8-11%, they are highly efficient in diffuse light and can also cover the infrared range. As a result, they have the best cost - about 0.5-0.7 dollars per 1 W.

In addition, they have a solid advantage - a flexible base. This means that installation does not require rigid structures; the material easily adheres to surfaces of any shape.

Rest

Modules offered by manufacturers can be manufactured using other technologies:

• Micromorphic, characterized by high efficiency in scattered and infrared radiation.
• Hybrid, uses several semiconductor materials and provides high conversion efficiency (up to 44%).
• Polymer, flexible with a backing made of polymer materials, absolute leaders in cost.

Such offers should be carefully studied; some of them may turn out to be much more profitable than market-leading panels made using standard technologies.

In general, monocrystalline panels can be recommended for installation only for residents of the southern regions. The rest should choose polycrystals or panels using other technologies.

You should pay attention not only to the technology of the panels, but also to the quality. In the labeling it is displayed as Grade from A (the highest) to D. In addition, it is recommended to check the reputation of the manufacturer, especially if it produces OEM products rather than its own. This can be done on the websites of quality laboratories - Californian or European TUV.

TOP-6: FSM 50 W poly

Description

To manufacture the premium class power plant module, solar cells use only certified high-efficiency polycrystalline cells belonging to quality category 1. This means high system reliability and decent performance.

Options

• Brand – Sunways;
• Solar cells are polycrystalline type;
• Power and voltage – 50 W and 12V (nominal);
• Current and voltage – 2.78A and 18V (at peak power);
• Short circuit current – ​​3.06A;
• Operating range – from minus 40 degrees to plus 85;
• Number of elements and their size – 156x46 and 36 pcs.;
• Distribution box – IP 65;
• MC4 connectors;
• Cable cross-section and length – 4 mm square. and 90 cm.

Buy

TOP 5: FSM 200 W poly

Review

Decent reliability and long-term operation are ensured by high-efficiency solar cells, the quality class of which belongs to category 1.

For the manufacture of TCM modules, solar cells on single crystals were used, laminated between layers of ethylene vinyl acetate film. Their size is 156x156 mm. On the outside they are protected by tempered glass, which has a high level of transparency, and on the inside by Tedlar sheet.

Peculiarities

• High efficiency;
• Excellent quality solar panels, EVA film and aluminum frame;
• Moisture protection, i.e. high-quality sealing between the modules and the film separating them;
• Long service life with guaranteed preservation of the data specified in the passport;
• Purchasing modules according to the required power indicators, size and type of solar cells.

Technical indicators

• Manufacturer: Sunways;
• Type - polycrystalline;
• Power value - 200 W;
• Nominal voltage and at peak power value – 24 and 30.4 V;
• Circuit current and peak power – 8.8 and 8.23 ​​A;
• The permissible voltage in the system and idle speed is 1000 and 38.02 V;
• Operating temperature range - -40 ~ +85°C;
• IP65 distribution box;
• Efficiency on a sunny day – 15.5;
• Diodes – 6 pcs.;
• Wire – length 900 mm, cross section 4 mm. sq.;
• Size – 1324x992x45 mm;
• MC4 connector;
• Weight – 16 kg;
• Housing sealing level - IP 65;
• Type-Poly;
• Frame material – anodized aluminum;
• For modules – tempered glass, the light transmittance of which is 97%;
• Maximum wind load sec – up to 60 meters.

Buy

Useful video on the topic

Interesting facts about installing solar panels are in the video.

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TOP 4: “Standard”

Description

With a solar power plant, which ranks 4th in the TOP-10, it will be comfortable and bright in the country house, because it is designed to ensure the operation of household appliances, lighting, pumps that supply water for irrigation and domestic needs, power tools, etc.

It’s easy to install such a solar power plant even on your own.

Characteristics

• Panel and inverter power – 1020 and 2000 Watt;
• Battery – capacity 400 Ah;
• Starting power and rated power (for inverter) -6000VA and 2400 V;
• The shape and value of the output voltage is pure sine wave and 230V;
• Charger current – ​​60A;
• Setting via display or computer;
• Efficiency – 93%;
• Panels - silicon polycrystalline;
• GEL battery - maintenance-free, sealed 2000x2 Ah;
• There is an energy-saving mode and protection against possible overloads;
• The size of the module, control unit, and battery, respectively, is 164 × 99 × 3.5 cm (weight 20 kg); 65×30×15 mm (20 kg); 21.8x23.8x52.2 mm (up to 65 kg).

Equipment

The set includes:

• Solar panels – 4 pieces;
• Charger and inverter – 1 pc.;
• Battery capacity 2000Ah - 2 pcs.;
• Parallel connected connectors – 3 pcs.;
• Controller 12/24V – 1 pc.;
• Cable with a cross-section of 4 km.mm – 2 pcs.

Main differences

• High power;
• Powers a large number of electrical appliances needed for a modern comfortable life;
• The solar station is fully automated. When the load drops to 5 W, it goes into “sleep mode”;
• Provides advanced features i.e. automatic entry of reserve and charging connections to increase energy in cold weather;
• High stability;
• Silence;
• Easy to use and attractive interface;
• Short time required for installation;
• Compactness. For installation, 0.5 cubic meters of space is enough;
• Long period of operation - up to 25 years.

Buy

Voltage

As a rule, panels are produced with an output voltage of 12 V. But to charge batteries, it is necessary to have a voltage in the system higher than the operating voltage, and it is more efficient to convert from DC to AC from higher values.

What is the output voltage of your solar panels?

12V/24V36V/48V

Therefore, it is standard practice to use voltages:

• 12 V for systems with a consumption of more than 1 kW.
• 24 V or 36 V – with a consumption of up to 5 kW.
• 48 V – with power over 5 kW.

To obtain such voltages, sequential connection of panels (sets of panels) is used.

TOP 3: “Optimal dacha”

Review

One of the most popular solar power plants for country houses and country houses, which provides comfortable living even far from urban civilization.

The power of the power plant is 4000 kW, which allows you to connect almost all the devices needed for a summer holiday.

Advantages

• Use all year round;
• Full automation, i.e. switching to sleep mode when the load drops below 5 W;
• Possibility of introducing a reserve in automatic mode (charger, automatic transfer switch, UPS) and charger in winter;
• Stable operation even in bad weather;
• Quiet operation and simple controls;
• Modern interface and quick installation (up to 6 hours);
• Light weight – 25 kg;
• Compact and long service life – up to 25 years.

Technical and operational indicators

• Inverter power – 2400 and 6000 W (nominal and at start-up);
• Efficiency -93%;
• Polycrystalline silicon modules;
• Total power - 600 W (150x4);
• Maintenance-free battery type – GEL;
• Controller efficiency -98%;
• Module weight and dimensions -12.2 kg (1482x674x35 mm;
• Battery weight and dimensions – 65 kg (218×238×522 mm);
• The control unit weighs 20 kg (650×300×150 mm);
• Output voltage -230 V, pure sine wave;
• Charging current -30A;
• Control – PC or display.

Buy

Installation

The panels can be mounted almost any way - vertically, horizontally, or at an angle. However, it should be taken into account that the modules provide maximum efficiency when the sun's rays fall perpendicularly on the working surface. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure the maximum irradiation time.

Here are some installation recommendations:

• Orient the photodetectors to the south.
• Place the panels at an angle equal to the latitude of the area.
• Change (if possible) the angle of inclination by 20% - increase in winter and decrease in summer.

Care should also be taken that during the entire daylight hours the modules are not shaded by trees on the site or other buildings. In this case, it will be possible to ensure maximum generation power. This is especially critical for monocrystalline batteries, the efficiency of which is significantly reduced in scattered light.

TOP 2: “Household Light”

This solar power plant is in second place in the TOP 10. It allows you to illuminate buildings far from the main power supply, store food in the refrigerator, watch your favorite programs on TV and operate the pump that supplies water to the house.

Peculiarities

• The device is delivered to the consumer in a state of readiness for operation;
• After installation, setup and connection will take less than half an hour;
• The wiring is protected from short circuits, and power plant owners are protected from electric shock;
• The circuits are automatically opened;
• There is a charger for operating the power plant in conjunction with a generator and the city network;
• The display allows you to monitor your work;
• The aesthetic case is locked.

Indicators

• Peak and nominal power of the inverter is 6000 and 2400 W, module power is 450 W;
• Output voltage - 50 Hz;
• User-configurable charger current - 30A;
• Inverter efficiency – 93%;
• Capacity and number of batteries – 100x2 Ah;
• Dimensions of the solar module and weight - 1482 × 674 × 35 mm and 12.2 kg;
• Battery dimensions - 650x300x150 mm (weight 20 kg);
• Weight and dimensions of the control unit - 222x171x330 mm (weight 32 kg).

Buy

TOP 1: “Light TV Laptop Economy”

The TOP 10 is headed by a small solar power plant, suitable for supplying electricity to small buildings such as country houses, where it is impossible or difficult to use mains electricity.

Technical data

• Module rated power – 150 W;
• Battery capacity -100Ah;
• Output voltage (DC and AC) - up to 14.4 and up to 231V, respectively;
• Load current limit -10A;
• The weight of the module and storage unit is up to 12 kg and 40 kg;
• Permissible AC load – 300 W;
• Dimensions of the module and converter-storage are 1476+5 x 667+5 x 35+5 millimeters and 550+5 x 210+5 x 300+5;
• Daily energy accumulation by the power plant is 825 W.

Operating principle

The power plant model makes it possible to electrify a home at low cost. With limited use of devices, the power is quite sufficient. It would be a good option for lighting apiaries.

With the help of the technologies used in the power plant model under consideration, it is possible to optimize its own energy consumption due to the energy-saving function (220V output). When the power of the connected load drops below 6 W, the system automatically turns off the output. After this, at a frequency specified by the user, a load search occurs, for which a pulse is sent to the inverter output, which puts the system into sleep mode.

The power station has an outlet so you can connect to the power grid.

Project and nuances

Before installing solar panels for your home, it is wise to consider the installation location. The type and purpose of the panels is also taken into account. Based on these indicators, battery parameters and components are selected.

To use a home power station that will produce a voltage of 220 V, prepare the following items:

1. Photoelectric converter. This part is necessary to generate electrical energy from the sun's rays using a chemical reaction. Consider the power per 1 m2, performance and appearance. The total number is selected based on the required output volume.
2. Battery battery. Allows you to accumulate a charge of electricity that will be received from the battery. It will fuel the operation of devices at night. It is better to choose batteries that have a small reserve. This way the system will continue to function even in cloudy weather.
3. Charging controller. This part is necessary to redistribute electrical energy from the batteries to the battery. As soon as the level reaches its maximum, the excess energy will be directed to the external network. If you do not install such a system, the power of electricity supplied to the battery will be reduced to a minimum.
4. Inverter. It will convert the direct voltage of electricity that comes from the photovoltaic part into alternating voltage. Suitable for household networks. This will make it possible to sell electricity that has been generated in excess.
5. Wires for connection. Will transmit electrical energy throughout the entire installation network. Requirements for wires are different. It all depends on where you install the batteries. If installed outdoors, the wires must withstand adverse environmental factors.