Wiring diagram for solar power, incorporating an inverter.

[HappyHippyDad]

Afternoon,

I am about to install a solar panel on my shed and wondered if someone could explain where the inverter should be connected from?

Most diagrams show the inverter connected to the battery (pic1), but some show it connected to the load terminals in the charge regulator (pic2). I am not suggesting using all my electrics through an inverter, I would still connect the lighting to the 12V load terminals in the charger, these questions are solely related to the inverter.



1. I cant see what the difference is? Both ways the inverter has a 12V supply.
2. Does connecting it to the charge controller offer some form of extra protection?
3. If so, why are almost all diagrams showing the inverter connected straight to the battery?

Thanks all, it's a very interesting project! Panel angle tilts throughout the seasons, correct combination of panels/chargers/battery/inverter and all the maths!

 

[Richard Burns]

Depends on the design of your charge controller, some charge controllers also control the load being drawn and switch off the load if the battery voltage drops below a certain voltage, this protects the battery from being drained completely.
If you have a well designed system then the battery should not be drained but the over capacity at a good time will be excessive.