any solar aficionados here

[laser3kw]

I am going to "play around" with a small solar system. I am using "inexpensive" parts just for amusement purposes and am not expecting any great results. My plan is to generate enough to power the lights in my shop. I have a set of panels,batteries and a inverter.
The question on my mind is: What happens to the power the panels generate after the batteries are fully charged and the is no power demand? The panels are still producing power, but the batteries can't charge. What happens? Does it damage the panels? Also does the inverter run continually even if there is no demand or does it run only if the is current draw?
I am gathering information as I go, hope I don't have to back track - too much!

 

[Slowgsr]

It overcharges your batteries (and damages them), you need a controller ��

 

[HOTFR8]

I have a couple of Solar systems here. My smaller system has two 80 watt panels with a controller and two 6 volt batteries this works like a UPS system for my office, computer and phones etc. it trickle charges as well via a mains Deltrans battery tender so if any thing fails I do not suffer any failures.

The bigger system has two banks of 12 panels (12 -120 watts and 12 140 watts) two controllers and a Selectronic inverter as well as two 48 volt batteries. The inverter can also tell if the mains grid has failed an can switch over to the battery back up power.

You do need a controller to make sure the panels do not over charge the batteries.
Your inverter should only run when you have a power draw. Many things will depend on just how you set it all up.

Edited note: If I could afford to add a Wind Gen I would go off grid once and for all.

 

[bzinsky]

I am going to "play around" with a small solar system. I am using "inexpensive" parts just for amusement purposes and am not expecting any great results. My plan is to generate enough to power the lights in my shop. I have a set of panels,batteries and a inverter.
The question on my mind is: What happens to the power the panels generate after the batteries are fully charged and the is no power demand? The panels are still producing power, but the batteries can't charge. What happens? Does it damage the panels? Also does the inverter run continually even if there is no demand or does it run only if the is current draw?
I am gathering information as I go, hope I don't have to back track - too much!

That's the benefit of tying into the grid. When you tie into the grid, you don't need batteries. You simply reverse your electric meter so you are not wasting any energy at all unless you produce more than you consume (than you get energy credits)