Learning Center

ESS - Bridging The Gap

In the quest for sustainable energy solutions, Energy Storage Systems (ESS) have emerged as pivotal technologies enabling the efficient use and management of energy resources. At their core, ESS are mechanisms designed to store energy produced at one time for later use, offering a bridge between energy production and consumption.

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Safety Standards and Certification for Lithium Batteries and ESS - NRTL

As the world increasingly moves towards prioritizing renewable energy sources, lithium batteries have become pivotal in powering residential and commercial energy storage systems. Their efficiency, high energy density, and declining cost have made them the cornerstone of modern energy solutions. However, the rapid adoption of these technologies brings to light significant safety concerns that cannot be overlooked.

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Understanding Warranty and Manufacturer Accountability

At NAZ Solar Electric, our commitment is to ensure that every client receives a product designed to stand the test of time. We understand that warranties, particularly for lithium batteries and Energy Storage Systems (ESS), play a critical role in the decision-making process. However, it's crucial to approach these warranties with a discerning eye.

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BMS Theory | Low Temperature Lithium Charging & Battery Heating

Understanding the limitations of lithium low-temperature charging and the need for heating capability is integral to understanding the suitability of various lithium battery options. Contemporary lithium battery technologies reduce the risk of damage from low-temperature charging by integrating temperature sensors and control algorithms. This article also explains how advanced BMS setups can heat the battery to an appropriate temperature before allowing it to charge thereby enhancing safety and battery functionality in extreme conditions. By charging at appropriate temperatures the BMS not only protects the battery from damage but also optimizes its performance.

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BMS Theory | Cell Balancing

Cell balancing plays a pivotal role in maintaining the health efficiency and safety of lithium batteries which is integral to Battery Management System (BMS) technology. When individual lithium cells, each with slight manufacturing differences and unique characteristics, are linked together in series to achieve the desired output voltage for a system, imbalances in charge levels can occur during the battery's charge and discharge cycles.

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Empowering Off-Grid Energy Systems: Transitioning to Lithium with Advanced Monitoring Solutions

Are you powering your off-grid system with lead acid-batteries? We can help you transition your system.

We have a significant number of customers who for decades have relied on off-grid living utilizing lead acid batteries. Recently there has been a burgeoning interest among these individuals in transitioning their energy storage systems to lithium batteries known for their superior efficiency and longevity. While upgrading the entire system in conjunction with the battery transition is often deemed optimal financial constraints can render this approach impractical for many.

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LiFePO4 Cell Theory | Prismatic vs Cylindrical Cells

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries have become increasingly popular for residential and commercial energy storage systems (ESS) due to their superior performance and durability. In the past, cylindrical cells were the most used battery cells, but with advancements in technology, prismatic cells are gaining popularity. In this article, we will explore the differences between prismatic and cylindrical cells, their advantages and disadvantages, and the industry trends and outlook of construction as it relates to the cells contained within LiFePO4 batteries for ESS applications.

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BMS Theory | Closed-Loop Communications

In this piece, we discuss the importance of closed-loop communication between the battery and an inverter/charger in modern energy storage systems. It explains how this two-way communication link allows for dynamic real-time control and monitoring of the battery system, leading to enhanced safety, performance, reliability, and increased lifespan of the batteries. We compare closed-loop communication with open-loop communication and highlight the potential issues with the latter. Overall, the integrated approach of closed-loop communication is seen as a crucial feature of modern ESS.

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Shaping Power | The Evolution and Impact of Battery Form Factors in Energy Storage

The form factor of batteries, particularly in the context of lithium technology, plays a pivotal role in determining their applicability, efficiency, and performance across various sectors. This article delves into the myriad factors influencing the design and structure of battery packs, from the configuration of lithium cells to their impact on energy density, thermal management, mechanical stability, safety, and overall efficiency. As the demand for energy storage solutions grows, understanding what drives the evolution of battery form factors is crucial for manufacturers and consumers alike. We explore how different cell arrangements, from prismatic to modular designs, cater to specific needs, highlighting the trade-offs between cost, performance, and scalability in energy storage systems (ESS).

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Lithium Batteries: BMS Theory

BMS Theory | Importance of Management and Control

The Battery Management System (BMS) is a crucial component in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and longevity of lithium batteries. It is responsible for managing the power flowing in and out of the battery, balancing the cells, and monitoring internal temperatures.

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Lithium Battery Cell Quality - Everything You Need to Know

Lithium Battery Cell Technology

The use of energy storage systems (ESS) in residential and commercial settings has been rapidly evolving with the growing need for reliable and efficient energy storage solutions. In this context, lithium-ion cell quality is a crucial factor determining the performance and longevity of the lithium batteries in the ESS.

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Inverters buying guide

What is an inverter?

An inverter converts DC (direct current) into AC (alternating current). Most home loads and appliances use AC power. However, solar panels output DC power. The inverter takes in DC power that is produced by solar panels or stored in a battery and converts it into AC power in order to run your loads.

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Winter Care Tips

As the winter chill sets in, harnessing the power of the sun becomes even more crucial for maintaining a sustainable and efficient energy source. At NAZ Solar Electric, we understand the unique challenges that winter weather can pose to solar power systems. To help you make the most of your solar investment during the colder months, here are some essential tips for caring for your solar power system:

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Should I DIY?

Should I DIY?

As a solar distributor for over 40 years, we have helped thousands of customers plug in to solar. We have a lot of customers who DIY their solar, it can be done! With technology, online videos, and our team of solar application engineers, we can get you set up to DIY your solar project.

Can you, or should you, depends on a lot of factors. If you don’t have technical experience, we do advise hiring an installer or electrical contractor.

If you are considering DIY, you will need to take into consideration the following questions.

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Star School - First Fully Off-Grid Public School

Commercial and Industrial Customer Story

Country’s first fully-off grid public school goes solar with NAZ

At NAZ Solar Electric, we take great pride in providing top-notch solar solutions to businesses of all sizes. Our team of highly skilled professionals is dedicated to thoroughly assessing the power and energy needs of our clients so that we can provide customized solar solutions that are specifically tailored to their needs.

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Introducing: The Pytes – V5°

Introducing: The Pytes – V5°

Pytes USA batteries have been making waves and our engineers and our customers have been impressed by the performance of the Pytes batteries.

Pytes has now introduced the Pytes V5 and they are flying off our shelves during pre-order! Want to learn more? Watch this video from James Hall, BSE our engineering and sales manager on how this integrates with Sol-Ark and other top-brand inverters.

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Top 10 Signs of Battery Degradation

Top 10 Signs of Battery Degradation

Making sure that your solar energy system is working at peak efficiency is always important. A common reasons that our customer’s systems start to become inefficient is battery storage degradation. Spotting battery degradation early can save you days, weeks, and months of low system performance and can also prevent severe damage to your system and property.

Spotting battery degradation can be difficult for even the trained eye, so our solar application engineers are always available to consult – you can email us a picture of your batteries any time and we can assess along with you.

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Top 10 Signs of Solar Panel Degradation

Top 10 Signs of Solar Panel Degradation

Making sure that your solar energy system is working at peak efficiency is always important. One of the most common reasons that our customer’s systems start to become inefficient is due to solar panel degradation.

Spotting panel degradation can be difficult, but catching it early can save you days, weeks, and months of low system performance and can also prevent damage to your system. Our solar application engineers are always available to consult – you can email us a picture of your panels any time and we can assess along with you.

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System Design Services

Yes, we design solar power systems. For free. It's what we do.

RESIDENTIAL. COMMERCIAL. INDUSTRIAL.

We work with everyone. From beginner DIYers to professional installers. Our team of Solar Application Engineers works as a team when necessary to solve the most complex design issues you can think of.

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Batteries for Solar Applications – Chemistry, Care, and Terminology

What do I need to know about batteries for solar applications?

Understanding how different batteries work, the maintenance involved, and understanding basic formulas all help you make the best decision for your specific needs. Our team of application engineers is here to make it easy, but we know some people really want to have a good understanding of their options before they decide to make this kind of investment.

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Solar Powered EV Charging Systems

What Are They?

Solar Powered EV Charging Systems are a combination of solar modules (panels), an inverter, an EV charging station, and optionally battery storage and a connection to The Grid.

These systems allow the user to collect solar energy and convert it into power that is used to charge an electric vehicle. Depending on the design and components, these systems may also be set up with battery storage or be used to draw from or “sell back” power to the Grid.

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Introducing the LG Home 8 ESS

Looking for battery-back up for a new or existing grid-tied system? Look no further!

If you are looking for a battery back-up solution for your new or existing grid-tied solar power system, the new LG Home 8 is an excellent choice.

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Greenlancer

Do you need help with your permitting?

NAZ can help! We offer permit drafting and engineering review services for your solar power system to make the permitting process easier.

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Solar Charge Controllers

What is a solar charge controller?

Solar charge controllers are used to regulate the charging of a battery bank. Solar panels produce voltage and current that are variable in nature — meaning they’re a function of the amount and uniformity of solar irradiance (watts per meter squared from sunlight) that a solar panel receives. However, this is not what a battery can use to charge. Battery charging must be done in a highly regulated and specific manner. The amount of voltage and current a battery receives must not vary outside of a small range (too low and no charging will occur; too high and over charging, and possible damage to the battery bank, will occur). The device that regulates the output of a solar panel in order to use the variable power it produces to charge a battery is known as a charge controller. There are two kinds of charge controllers—PWM (pulse-width modulation) and MPPT (maximum power point tracking) charge controllers. Both have a distinct charge regulation method and a similar battery charging algorithm.

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Wiring & Busing

What are the basics to wiring?

Electrical wiring is the conductor that connects components in your system. In most cases, solar system wiring should be copper with properly rated insulation for the location the wire will be occupying.

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Solar Panels & Mounts

What are the different types of solar panels?

Almost all solar panels use silicon semiconductor material that makes up the solar cells. There are two primary types of solar panels: polycrystalline and monocrystalline.

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RV & Marine Solar Kits

What’s the appeal of RV or boat living?

As the cost of living increases, so does the struggle to find affrdable housing. At the same time, many occupations have transitioned to a digital or remote format, or employers have realized the possibility of offing that flexibility to their workers. These factors have increased the usage of RVs, campers, buses, boats, vans and other vehicles as second or in some cases even primary homes. Rather than being saddled with a mortgage or rent with no equity, many people are packing up their lives and hitting the road or water. Of course, that life isn’t for everyone—some prefer to keep their RVs or boats as a parttime or seasonal activity rather than a residence. But whatever the application, electric power comes into play.

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Off-Grid Accessories and Appliances

What are off-grid/DC-powered refrigerators and freezers?

Solar refrigerators and freezers are highly effcient units with exceptionally low energy consumption. These appliances require a small photovoltaic (PV) system. DC refrigerators are powered directly from a battery bank which can be charged via solar and a genset/gas generator. The brushless DC motor compressor operates on 12 or 24V DC.

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Off-Grid Water Pumping Design Considerations

Intro to Water Pumps.

Water pumps are used to transfer water from one point to another by converting mechanical energy into pressure (head). Electrical energy typically drives the mechanical pump, whether from the grid, solar direct, batteries or an inverter. There are various things to keep in mind when selecting a pump and designing a system. Here we’ll discuss the multiple types of pumps, the application requirements which will define suitable pumps, and the overall concepts for powering the pump in a sustainable manner.

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Off-Grid Solar

What does it mean to be grid tied?

The term “off grid” means just that—power and energy are generated from sources other than an electrical utility or power company. Off-grid solar systems incorporate components required for a standalone electrical power system. This includes energy generation from photovoltaic solar panels, energy storage usually in battery form and power generation utilizing an inverter/charger. Off-grid systems can also incorporate secondary energy generation from a fuel-powered generator and sometimes hydro-electric and wind power generation and more rarely fuel cell electric generators.

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Grid-Tied Solar

What does it mean to be grid tied?

A grid-tied solar system is connected to the utility grid. This is the most common system type for those who already have commercial electricity at their home. Grid-tied systems offer a simple and cost-effctive way to offset electric bills with solar energy. At their core, simple grid-tied systems consist of two main components: solar panels and an inverter. The solar panels collect light from the sun, and a chemical reaction inside the panel converts the light energy into DC electricity. This DC power is then sent to the inverter, which converts it to usable AC power before sending that power to the loads in your home. If the loads in the home are satisfied, and the solar panel array is producing excess power, a typical grid-tied system will send the extra power back to the grid. Most customers will get some kind of credit or reduction in their electric bill for selling excess solar production to their utility company. Any energy used by the home (such as at night, when it’s cloudy or if there are extra power needs) is purchased from the utility company like normal.

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Batteries and Battery storage

Battery Buying Guide

Selecting batteries for your solar power system can be overwhelming. With all the different types, sizes and varying price points, it's easy to get confused. We’re here to help you make the best decision for your needs and budget. If you want to take a deep dive into battery chemistry, please check out Battery chemistry, care, and terminology.

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System Management and Monitoring

System configuration is imperative if it’s going to do exactly what you want it to do—whether that’s properly charging your batteries, getting your hybrid system prepped for load shaving or setting your battery monitor to accurate setpoints. Most inverter manufacturers have external devices capable of setting up whole-system management, as long as all major components—like the charge controller, battery monitor and inverter—are from that same manufacturer. However, a few other manufacturers over standalone items that are capable of setting up remote system monitoring all on their own—some even without a Wi-Fi signal present.

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Buying Guide: Backup Power Kits

Backup power systems are a way to keep things operating during power outages. You may already be familiar with a UPS (uninterruptable power supply), which is a specific type of backup power system that keeps your computer running long enough during a blackout to save your work before shutting down. A backup power system can be attached to essential appliances like a refrigerator so your food doesn’t spoil. Or, they can be large enough to run a whole house or even a business.

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News from SMA

We are excited for the release of several new products from SMA. 

If you aren’t familiar with SMA Solar Technology, they are a global specialist in photovoltaic system technology and have been creating solar solutions for over 40 years. 

We will keep you updated on the availability of these products!

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NEM 3.0 - California Grid-Tie - LG Electronics Home 8

Change is on the horizon for California Grid-Tie Solar customers. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has approved new Net Metering rules for grid-tie solar energy systems – NEM 3.0. Effective on April 13, 2023, the new Net Metering rules will stretch out the payback period for grid-tie solar power systems in the Golden State by reducing how much customers are paid for their solar generated power.

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Brand Launch Announcemnt

We have big news!

Northern Arizona Wind and Sun is now officially NAZ Solar-Electric.

Nothing has changed within the company. We haven’t been bought and our operations remain the same. After more than 40 years in the business, we thought a refresh was in order.

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Permission from the Utility

Many people are excited by the idea of producing electricity from the sun to power their home. However, they may be discouraged when they think of all the paperwork they will need to wade through to get permission from the utility company to install a system. You don't always need to ask your Utility Company for permission to install a solar power system on your home. One could take advantage of a grid-zero configuration.

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System shut down in outage?

Grid-tie solar systems are appearing in more and more neighborhoods as homeowners seek to reduce their rising electricity bills, charge electric vehicles, or just “green up” their energy footprint. However, many people are surprised to learn that the grid-tie solar panels on their roofs don’t supply power to the home when there is a utility blackout. This is due to the ani-islanding safety requirements of a grid tie solar power system.

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Benefits of the Sol-Ark 12K Inverter in a grid-interactive system.

There are an endless number of options when it comes to configuring your solar power system, which is excellent! But it can make decisions a bit more challenging. In this video, James, our sales manager and application engineer, talks about why he installed the Sol-Ark 12K Inverter on his home as part of his grid-tied battery backup installation as a grid-interactive system.

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Fortress Power and Victron Energy Webinar

At NAZ Solar Electric, equipping our customers with knowledge is integral to the partner process. This is part of what makes us different. We do not just sell products; we offer turnkey solutions and ongoing support to every customer.

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Electronics Guru Goes Off-Grid with Solar in Baja, Mexico

Bob, an electronics aficionado from California, has enjoyed the world of electronics using ham radio and being involved in computer networking software and hardware. He worked in the hospitality management industry. Given his love for electronics and knowledge obtained over the years, he designed and installed his first home solar system that paid him back in just over three years thanks to the early credit incentives available in California at the time.

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Alaska Off-Grid Resident Harnesses Energy from the Sun

Living off grid presents several challenges even for those that make pre-calculations for every possible need when you’re in a remote area. Whether it’s determining a water source, developing emergency plans or deciding on a power source - most come with their own unique problem to solve and everyone’s situation is different.

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Northern Utah Residents Outfit Shelter with Solar Power

Tom and wife, Debbie live on 25 acres of alfalfa farm in Northern Utah. Joining them are four dogs and twenty-three cats. Yes, you read that correctly. Both Tom and Debbie grew up on small family farms, she in Indiana and he in New Jersey. Tom joined the US Navy in 1971 where he spent six years as a computer repairman on the USS Long Beach CGN-9 which was a nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser which is now decommissioned and scrapped. Tom learned invaluable skills such as programming and electrical engineering while floating around the Indian Ocean...

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Couple Converts School Bus into Solar Powered Skooly

Mike and his wife are in their late 20s and have lived in Flagstaff for nearly 10 years. Flagstaff is the largest northern-most city in Arizona. It’s not the typical Arizona landscape you immediately envision. Full of ponderosas and aspen trees, Flagstaff is an outdoor haven for adventure seekers or those trying to get away from the rat race. It’s a short drive up from the Phoenix metro area and is popular weekend destination for those that are weary of the summer heat. 

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Retired US Navy Mechanic Deploys Off-Grid Solar Power

Larry is a retired US Navy aircraft mechanic. He and his wife currently own a boat transport company and have been mulling retirement in recent years. Settling down in a quiet place is the dream of many retirees. They had the same dream which prompted them to buy property in Northern California. Like many vacant properties, there are obstacles to overcome. Grid power can expensive if there isn’t a transformer nearby – in this case, it was 2000 feet from Larry’s property. 

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Solar Power Untethers RVers from Grid Power

There is a growing trend of Americans wanting to down-size and sell their homes for a different lifestyle. Huge mortgages and the burden of living in substantial debt has led people to reassess their situations. With a large portion of jobs now being done remotely due to COVID-19, people can now work from anywhere if they have an internet connection. Despite the overall economic impacts of the virus, the RV market is hot and showing no signs of slowing down.

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Customer Stories: Retirees Boondock 45-Foot Freightliner Outfitted with Solar Power

Scott and Susan have been adventurers together since 1978 when they married at age 20. Much of their adventure came in the form of sailing. Living in the Pacific Northwest for many years gave them the opportunity to sail the Pacific Ocean as far as Maui and up to Alaska. After retiring from Microsoft and spending the bulk of their time on the west coast, they found themselves wanting to explore places east of Seattle which led them to moving their adventures from sea to land. Their first step was finding a vehicle that could get the job done.

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Customer Stories: Rural Indiana Resident Installs Hybrid Grid-Tie System

Greg was born and raised in Bloomington, Indiana and graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Engineering and Science. He’s currently an Electrical Engineer and leads a small team of engineers while mentoring and coaching young go-getters. Recently, in his spare time, he’s spent many hours researching solar power. Being involved in the electrical field automatically gives him leveraged insight into solar electric technology.

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Customer Stories: Hurricane-Stricken Bahama Resident Relies on Solar Power One Year Later

We have a variety of people that reach out to us needing a solar power system. Their applications may vary drastically, but the common denominator of needing an independent power source remains the constant when it comes to deciding on solar power. This week’s customer story is no different, but the motivating reason for needing to be off-grid is much different. 

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Customer Stories: Brick Mason Finds Happiness Boondocking with Solar Powered RV

David, a business owner in the masonry industry likes to take a break from the daily grind. Getting out on the open road and piloting his RV is the best kind of therapy for the California resident. Traveling the USA in an RV is the best way to the see the country, especially if it’s energy independent.

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Customer Stories: IT Consultant Travels Full-Time with Solar Powered Fifth Wheel

Steven, a full-time RVer has lived on the road for 3 years now. He works as an IT consultant and has enjoyed the opportunity to work while he travels if there’s an internet connection. This trend has increased in popularity over the past few years due to the ability to work remotely. It’s as simple has having a combination of LTE and campground Wi-Fi.

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Customer Stories: Solar Power Enables Part-Time RVers to Boondock with Confidence

Lloyd, a retired aerospace purchasing agent travels with his wife and dog in a 30 ft travel trailer. They travel part-time but usually stay on the road for months at the time. Lloyd is a DIY like many others doing his own mods and maintenance on the travel trailer. For them, traveling on the road has become a way of life that required learning how to adapt, especially when it comes to a reliable power source.

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Customer Stories: Photographer Thrives with Renewable Solar Energy in Colorado

Nathan has lived in Colorado for 45 years for the simple reason of wanting snow and sun all in one day. Being a photographer, he couldn’t have chosen a more beautiful place to live. Choosing a lifestyle that thrived on renewable energy was important to Nathan because of his belief that it is a responsible way to live.

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Customer Stories: New Mexico Off-Gridder Upgrades to Lithium Battery Bank

This week’s customer story features Mike, a retired software developer, that lives near Questa, New Mexico with his wife who is a retired accountant. Like many others in recent years, they have chosen the path of living in a completely off-grid home called the Q-House because of its proximity to Questa, New Mexico.

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Customer Stories: Off-Grid Farm in Northern Arizona Utilizes Solar Power

Comfortable off-grid living is achieved by many, thanks to solar electric technology. Joel and Amy who reside in Northern Arizona, not only live comfortably using solar power but they thrive by raising their own food, pumping their own water and sustaining a homestead that provides organic food to their very own customers. Without solar power, it would have been nearly impossible to realize their dreams of being self-sufficient.

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Customer Stories: Solar Power System Design and Install for Grand Design Solitude RV

Robin from Creativity RV – you may have heard of her. If not, she has a large following on YouTube that chronicles her life living on the road. Following in the footsteps of many others before her, Robin grew weary of living the corporate life to pay for a huge mortgage while life passes by. She was in the corporate world for over 20 years before deciding to take the dive into nomad living.

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How Do I Integrate a Battery Backup with a Grid-Tie Solar Power System?

One of the most common questions asked by customers is how to integrate a battery backup solution with an existing grid-tie system. As designed and required by law, grid-tie systems shutdown during a grid power outage. The main reason is to make sure solar panels are not back-feeding power into the grid while line workers are attempting to make repairs.

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What is the Life Expectancy of a Solar Power System?

When investing in a solar system, it is normal to inquire about the longevity. There are several components to a solar power system, so it is important to consider everything when evaluating the life expectancy of the overall system.

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Customer Stories: Digital Nomads Work Remotely Using Solar Power

Getting away from the complexity of the traditional American Dream and trying a different approach at life is the desire of many. Trends indicate that Americans are transitioning into smaller homes or taking their life on the road. A couple from Austin TX is living their new dream traveling the USA with no regrets. James and Kelly sold their home in Austin to live on the road in their 39’ fifth wheel. Both being able to work remotely gives them the perfect opportunity to travel the country with their three border collies. Their passion is exploring nature and trail running in new locations along their travels.

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Why Do Grid-Tie Solar Systems Shut Down During Power Outages?

A common misconception about grid-tie solar systems is that during a power outage or grid failure, the solar system will continue to provide power to loads. Due to the nature of grid-tie solar systems and how they are designed, all power output to the grid must cease during an outage unless other backups are designed into the solar system, which basically changes the nature of the system entirely.

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Customer Stories: Remote Couple Stays Close to Nature with Solar Power

This week’s customer story features Jody and Shelle who spend their life on the road as full-time RVers in their 40’ Fifth Wheel. Both Jody and Shelle have jobs that allow them to travel the country with complete freedom. Jody is self-employed Solutions Architect and Shelle is a nature / travel photographer. The couple stays active on social media and vlogs about their experiences traveling on the road which helps keep their friends and family back home informed about their whereabouts.

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Customer Stories: Retired Couple Seeks Advice For Solar Power System

Our solar power project of the week features Les – a fulltime RVer. Les worked in the Commercial Glass and Glazing industry as a Senior Project Manager specializing in custom curtainwalls for skyscrapers in New York City, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. Since retiring from the glass industry, Les and his wife Sue have been on the road fulltime in their RV. They enjoy off-grid living and boondocking which requires an independent power source.

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Customer Stories: Landowner Utilizes Off-Grid Solar Power System

This week’s solar project takes us westward down Interstate 40 to Williams, Arizona. Known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon”, Williams is a bustling tourist stop for those making that last pitstop before the northward trek to the Grand Canyon. Tourists are so excited and focused on seeing the Grand Canyon that no one notices the endless acres of ranch land on the way. Many of those subdivided ranches depend on solar power as their source of energy due to the remoteness of the area.

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Customer Stories: Solar Power Allows Adventurous Couple To Work Remote

Living in a digital age, many people are abandoning the idea of burdening themselves with a mortgage and everything else that comes with homeownership. Working remotely over the web makes it easy to work from anywhere and see everything the world has to offer in the process. This is the case for Megan and Garrett who recently decided to move into their rig full time and travel to Arizona.

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Customer Stories: Solar Power Prepares Resident For Natural Disasters

Our customer story this week features Susan from Ohio. Susan's neighbors have family in Puerto Rico. Back in 2017 Hurricane Maria devastated the entire island leaving their family in the dark. They lost the first level of their home and all electric power for several months. The realities of a natural disaster are a stark reminder of how everyone should be prepared and how the modern conveniences of everyday life can be taken away quickly.

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Customer Stories: Solar Power Gives NYC Mobile Gaming Unit Enough Power

Our next solar project feature takes us out to the East Coast to the Big Apple. Jesse, the owner of a MT45 Freightliner is needing solar energy for a unique venture. Dubbed the “M.G.U.”, this vehicle is a Mobile Gaming Unit taking to the streets of New York City. The vehicle was chosen specifically for its correlation to an ice cream truck, only this time it’s serving up delicious new games to hungry gamers in Times Square!

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Customer Stories: Full-Time RVer Finds Freedom With Solar Power

This week’s article features Ed, a full time RV’er. Ed is a retired commercial industrial HVAC service technician that worked in Denver providing service to everything related to heating and cooling. After leaving the workforce, Ed started living in his RV fulltime in June 2017. He sold his 29’ travel trailer and purchased a brand new 39’ fifth wheel as his home in January 2018.

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Solar Power for RV Boondocking

Customer Stories: Solar Power Allows For Full-Time RV Boondocking

Our solar project this week features customer Jason E., a full time RVer. Jason is a father and husband in a nomadic family of five that travels in their fifth wheel RV full time. His family has been living the nomadic lifestyle for 5+ years but most recently is in the process of putting down some roots, though they maintain traveling is still in their future.

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Customer Stories: Family Utilizes Residential Off-Grid Solar Power

Customer Stories: Family Utilizes Residential Off-Grid Solar Power

Our solar project this week features customer David G. of Northern Arizona. David and his family purchased property in the high desert of Northern Arizona to be closer to extended family. Their intention wasn’t necessarily to go off-grid with their power needs, however, the location where they purchased their property dictated solar to be their only power option. That’s when David researched solar power and ultimately contacted our team at NAZ Solar Electric.

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RV Solar System Design for Full Time or Extended Dry Camping

RV Solar System Design for Full Time or Extended Dry Camping

When looking at what is an ideal full system configuration for an RV, typically one would want to consider the expectations of a system and limitations of the RV, and then build the system around these expectations and limitations. In most cases you want to start from the roof and work your way down. 

Solar for Roof

Roof space is usually the biggest limitation when considering solar power for an RV. Being that solar panels are one of the least expensive aspects of a complete system, maximizing production value for a given space is the most advantageous plan. In most cases putting as many panels on the roof as will fit is the best idea. Measure or use pieces of cardboard, targeting a sixty-cell panel format (~67”x40”). These are technically the best panels and the cheapest, due to the volume of sales these panels enjoy. Other panel sizes are available. Mixing sizes and shapes is complicated so plan wisely. We’ve never had a customer complain about having too much power (because this isn’t possible) but having too little power can result in too little energy production which may not meet your expectations. This can be frustrating and could lead to premature battery failure or other system wide issues. 

Inverter Integration 

Next you need to plan for an inverter if you need to run AC appliances and devices. The inverter converts power from the batteries to your basic household outlet AC power, 120VAC or 120/240VAC. You need to decide whether you want a fully integrated inverter system or a simple stand-alone inverter. In most cases, this decision will be dictated by what you want to power from the inverter. If you simply want to plug in a laptop or charge a phone from time to time, then a stand-alone inverter should work fine. Most of these smaller inverters will have an outlet on the front allowing low power devices to be connected. Anything more demanding than this requires a fully integrated inverter/charger.  These inverter/chargers have a built-in transfer switch and the ability to charge the batteries at a much higher current than a typical converter. These are advanced inverter/chargers with powerful features and thus are usually the best solution for medium to large installations. The inverter/charger is typically placed between the shore power input and the main electric panel, the output from this inverter would go to the main electric panel. This essentially will power up all or most of the electrical circuits within the RV, depending on the configuration of the electrical panel. When AC input power is present from either shore power or generator, the inverter/charger will qualify the input (making sure it’s acceptable) and transfer that power through. It will pull from the AC input dynamically depending on certain limitations to charge the batteries. When shore power or the generator are not present the inverter uses energy from the batteries to power the AC loads. There are many more advanced features available from this type of inverter/charger, but in general if you power to all the outlets and appliances like the micro wave or the air conditioner then an inverter/charger is the way to go. Special care needs to be taken if you wish the inverter/charger to power air conditioners. Air conditioners consume large amounts of energy and need careful planning. 

Battery Bank

The final step in a design is sizing the battery bank. An RV is a terribly abusive environment for batteries. It’s common to have significant deficit cycling (infrequent full charges), over discharge is very likely, and temperature can vary significantly. There are two types of batteries that work for an RV system; lead acid and lithium-ion. Lead-acid batteries include flooded batteries (AGM), or Gel. However, gel lead acid batteries are not designed for the demands present in a typical RV system.  

Lithium

Advantages

  • No maintenance

  • Lightweight

  • Can be placed inside the living space

  • Smaller size

  • Battery bank can be added to over time

  • Low chance of damage if left uncharged

  • Higher level of efficiency

  • Charges faster

Disadvantages

  • Cost- Lithium batteries are more expensive, however, over the life of the system Lithium is cheaper. 


AGM

Advantages

  • Low cost

Disadvantages

  • Larger and heavier than Lithium

  • It’s not recommended to add to a lead acid battery bank after it’s installed

  • Life is significantly reduced if they are left uncharged for any length of time


Flooded

Advantages

  • Cheapest battery option

Disadvantages

  • Must be placed in a vented enclosure designed to handle the gas fumes they create

  • Extremely heavy - it’s important to make sure that the location can handle the weight

  • Poorly suited to handle the abuse present in an RV system

  • Not recommended to add to their battery bank.

It’s important to have an accurate battery monitor installed in the system, one that uses a shunt. This will allow for accurate tracking of the battery state of charge. Regardless of the type of battery bank, this accessory can really help prevent excessive discharge and confirm regular recharging.

Talk to a Specialist

You can do all the research you want but some of the best recommendations you’ll get are going to come from experts in the industry. NAZ Solar Electric has several engineers on site happy to consult and design a system to suit your application, no matter how unique or complicated. Feel free to give us a call to discuss your project today. 


AC Transfer Switch Graphic

Do I Need an AC Transfer Switch for my Off-Grid System?

A lot of people assume they need a transfer switch for an off-grid system when they are using a generator to charge the batteries or power loads. If you are using an inverter/charger there is an internal transfer switch to select between the inverter’s output and an incoming AC source. Most inverter/chargers will remain in “Invert” mode unless they see an acceptable AC source coming through (Shore / Grid Power or Generator Power). Once the inverter/charger accepts the AC voltage, it transfers over to supply power to loads and dump excess power into the batteries. Once this AC source is disconnected, the inverter will transfer back to “invert” mode and use battery power to run the loads. Some inverter/chargers will accept two AC sources and transfer between either of those and the inverter’s output. So if this is how your system would be set up, then there is no need for an external transfer switch.

You may need an external transfer switch if you have an inverter/charger with only one AC input and you want to switch between two AC sources like a generator and shore/grid power. This is the case in most mobile/RV applications. Another scenario is when you have a generator that can deliver more power than the inverter/charger can pass through and you want to power some heavy loads. The inverter charger is limited by the rating of the internal transfer switch. For example: Let’s say we have a Schneider 3.8kW inverter/charger with an internal 30A transfer switch with a split phase 120/240VAC output. The max load we can run by passing the generator power through is 7.2kW (30A x 240VAC = 7200 W). If we had a load that exceeded this 7.2 kW, and we had a generator that was able to satisfy this load, we would want the inverter/charger to be bypassed, allowing the generator to power the load directly. In this event we could use an external transfer switch to select between the inverter’s output and the generator’s output. If the inverter/charger is properly sized, this scenario does not occur often.

For more info on this call NAZ Solar Electric 1-800-383-0195 or email sales@solar-electric.com.

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