The
Power Board groups and wires together all the electronic control,
switching, and safety equipment of a renewable energy system. It is the
heart of the system -- where the inverter(s), charge controller(s), DC and
AC power centers and circuit breakers, and meter are mounted and wired together
into a functioning unit. SolarRay designs and custom builds each power board
for the requirements of the individual system it will control -- with over
a decade of experience of successfully doing exactly that.
For an interactive
view of a powerboard, and basic information on the different
components that are integrated on a power board, click on
one of the links above and go to "conversion."
These are complete, functioning units --
after the board is mounted to the wall, it takes half an hour to connect
battery cables and provide power for the rest of the installation. When
we build a power board that will be installed by a Do-It-Yourselfer or electrician,
we clearly label all connection points for battery cables, power inputs
(PV, wind, generator, grid, etc.), and AC and DC loads -- as well as include
any special installation instructions that might be needed. Buying a SolarRay Power Board is the perfect
way for the DIY customer to guarantee that the heart of their system is
optimally designed for their needs, using components that are chosen to
balance each other, and are correctly wired together -- using all the specialty
connectors and parts that are unavailable at the local hardware store and
are unfamiliar to the average electrician. We have seen and repaired many
systems that had all the right components but were wired together unsafely
and in ways that did not allow those components to function as they should
(if at all). A lot of design time and thought goes into the building of
a power board, and we have many years of experience to draw upon.
The Different Levels of Power Boards:
We build different levels of power boards
for different clients, depending upon their needs:
On the top end, we can provide fully ETL listed power
boards for clients whose systems need to pass rigorous certification standards
-- scientific/commercial or government applications, for example. Most
systems do not need to meet such a high standard. These boards can be
built for any size system.
This "Family" board
includes room to expand with one more OutBack inverter.
Ranch / Island sized boards are designed for large, full-time
commercial use and meet the latest code and design practices. Almost any
electric device can be solar powered -- within reason. Off grid versions
include a generator input and auto-start capability for a top-quality,
propane generator -- to keep the batteries from getting too low when electrical
demands exceed energy production. (See picture at top of page.)
Family sized boards are designed for full-time family
use and meet the latest code and design practices. Most modern appliances
can be used carefully, such as a microwave, medium-sized refrigerator,
computer, TV, washer, dryer, and deep well pump -- and you can even sell
power back to the grid in times of surplus production. Pure sine wave
inverters are used in these systems, so modern appliances, such as new
high-efficiency washing machines, can be used without problem. These provide
"the good life," without going overboard. Off-grid versions include a
generator input, so a high-quality portable generator can be used to keep
the batteries from getting too low when life demands more energy than
the sun can provide.
Frontier sized boards are designed for full and part-time
residences of modest needs and meet the latest code
and design practices. Most modern appliances can be used carefully, such
as a microwave, medium-sized refrigerator, computer, TV, etc. (Forget
about the sauna and the hot tub, though). With some adjustment, a basic
on-grid American life-style can be maintained with the power of the sun
and wind.
Renegade Plus boards are for RVs, cabins, or any portable,
temporary, or emergency AC power that is not required to meet strict code.
Get some lights on at your hideaway cabin, turn off the RV's generator
and enjoy the outdoors. This size system will run some small power tools,
lights, TV, laptop computer, and cistern pump. This is the most basic
level of AC power board.
Renegade DC boards are for RVs, cabins, or any portable,
temporary, or emergency DC power that is not required to meet strict code.
These can power lights, radio, laptop, cistern pump, etc.
This "Frontier"
board integrates an ExelTech 1100 pure-sine inverter from
the customers' old system, to power a dedicated circuit
for their Staber washing machine. The Xantrex DR inverter
is for all other household loads.
This "Renegade
Plus" board, with a Xantrex UL inverter, was built for the
customer's RV.
Components can be pulled from a customer's
existing system, then integrated onto a new power board. (See above left)
We built this
powerboard for a client in California, then crated it and
shipped it out. Since he wanted the option to expand his
system in the future, we used OutBack PS4 AC and DC power
centers, instead of PS2s, so there's room for two more OutBack
VFX 3648 inverters. The MX60 and HUB4 are mounted in the
center of the board to reduce the footprint of the powerboard,
at the client's request -- these would have to be moved,
were he to decide to expand. Mounted in the PS4DC front
cover (upper right) is a TriMetric meter. All the breakers
and transfer switches needed for four inverters are already
wired into the system.
Power boards
have come a long way in the last 25 years.( Look familiar?
If so, it may be time for an upgrade!) This customer's system
was upgraded with the Frontier power board shown above left
(with the ExelTech and Xantrex DR inverters).
Whether ordered as part of a SolarRay
Complete System, or as a launching point for the Do-It-Yourselfer or electrician-installed
system, your SolarRay Power Board puts most of your system components
in one place -- "Done right the first time!"
If you are looking for something more
than just a power board, check out our Complete
Systems.
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