Products
Company News
Company News

Effortless Solar: A Simple Guide to Installing Solar Energy Storage System

Date:2024-07-09
Are you ready to harness the power of the sun and take control of your home energy needs? Installing a home solar energy storage system is an excellent way to reduce your electricity bills, lower your carbon footprint, and embrace sustainable living. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from selecting the right system to the final testing, ensuring a successful and smooth installation.


 1. Assessing Your Energy Needs and Choosing the Right System

Understanding Your Energy Consumption

The first step in installing a solar energy system is to understand your home’s energy consumption. Review your electricity bills from the past year to determine your average monthly usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh). This information will help you size your solar system correctly.

Calculating System Size

To calculate the size of the solar system you need, consider the following factors:

motoma solar panel install

Daily Energy Consumption: Determine your average daily kWh usage by dividing your monthly usage by 30. For example, if your average monthly usage is 900 kWh:
900kWh/30days=30kWh per day

Sunlight Hours: Determine the average peak sunlight hours your location receives daily. For instance, if your location receives 5 hours of peak sunlight daily:
30kWh per day/5sun hours=6kW solar array

System Efficiency: Factor in the efficiency of the solar panels and the inverter. To account for inefficiencies and degradation over time, add a 20% overhead:
 6kW×1.2=7.2kW solar array
7.2 kW solar array with 400W Phono Solar panels: 7,200 watts / 500 watts = 15 panels

2. Choosing the Right Components

Load Calculation

Calculating the power consumption of your home or any other establishment is essential for efficient energy management and to ensure that your electrical system can handle your power needs. There are two main methods to estimate power consumption: using an average estimation method and using a clamp meter for more precise measurements.

Method 1: Using an Average Estimation Method


1. Turn on all the appliances you typically use simultaneously.
2. Estimate the power rating (in watts) of each appliance. This information is usually found on a label or in the user manual.
3. Sum the power ratings of all the turned-on appliances to get the total power consumption.

For example, if you have the following appliances:

  • Refrigerator: 200W
  • Microwave: 1000W
  • Washing Machine: 500W
  • Lights and other small devices: 300W

Total Load Calculation:
200W + 1000W + 500W + 300W = 2000W (or 2kW)

In this example, your total power consumption would be 2000W. This method provides a rough estimate based on the power ratings of your appliances.

Method 2: Using a Clamp Meter

1. Turn on all the appliances you typically use simultaneously.
2. Use the clamp meter on the phase wire of the electric meter.

While using the clamp meter, it shows power consumption in Amps (e.g., 5A, 10A, 20A). 

  • China grid voltage range starts from 220V to 240V.
  • You must check voltage as well using the clamp meter.

Load Calculation Example:
Voltage × Current (Amps) = Power (Watts)

If the clamp meter shows 5A and the voltage is 220V:
220V × 30A = 6600W

Both methods provide ways to calculate power consumption, but the clamp meter offers a more precise measurement by directly reading the current flow, while the average estimation method relies on appliance power ratings and estimates.

Backup Time

Based on the calculated power consumption, determine how many hours you want to run appliances after a power cut. For instance, if you need 5 to 10 hours of backup time:  

Battery Storage=Total Load×Backup Time=6600W×10hrs=66000W

Battery Capacity

Based on your required battery storage, select the appropriate battery technology. At MOTOMA, three models are commonly used in solar energy systems: the M88PW(10kWh LiFePO4 battery) and the M89(15kWh LiFePO4 battery), and M68PW (5kWh LiFePO4 battery). A popular option is the 200Ah LiFePO4 battery, which stores 10,000W.

Battery Capacity Calculation:
Battery Capacity = Required Battery Storage / Battery Storage = 66000W / 10000W ≈ 7 Batteries

Generally, 7 of a 10kWh 200Ah battery, which operates at 51.2V, is needed. Alternatively, 5 of the capacity with 15kWh can be used.

Inverter Capacity

Determine the inverter capacity based on battery voltage, capacity, and power consumption:  
Inverter Capacity=Load+(Load×20%)=6600W+(6600W×20%)=6600W+1320W=7920W
  This means you need an inverter capacity of around 8kW.

3. Preparing for Installation

Gathering Tools and Equipment

tools

Before starting the installation, gather the necessary tools and equipment:
  • Solar panels and mounting hardware
  • Inverter and battery storage 
  • Wiring and connectors
  • Drill and drill bits
  • Screwdrivers and wrenches
  • Ladder and safety harness
  • Measuring tape and chalk line
  • Multimeter for electrical testing

Site Assessment and Measurements

Conduct a site assessment to determine the best location for the solar panels. Consider roof orientation, tilt angle, shading, and structural integrity. Measure the roof area to ensure it can accommodate the number of panels required.

4.Installation Steps and Tips

Step 1: Install the Mounting System


1. Mark the positions for the mounting brackets on the roof.
2. Drill holes and secure the brackets with bolts.
3. Ensure the brackets are level and properly spaced.

Step 2: Attach the Solar Panels

1. Mount the solar panels onto the brackets.
2. Secure the panels with clamps and bolts.
3. Connect the panels in series or parallel as per the system design.

Step 3: Install the Inverter and Wiring

1. Mount the inverter in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
2. Connect the solar panels to the inverter using appropriate wiring.
3. Ground the system to prevent electrical hazards.

Step 4: Connect the Battery Storage 

1. Install the MOTOMA LiFePO4 Battery in a suitable location.
2. Connect the batteries to the inverter and BMS (Battery management system)
3. Ensure proper ventilation and safety measures for the battery storage area.

Step 5: Electrical Connections

1. Connect the inverter to the main electrical panel of the house.
2. Install a generation meter to monitor solar production.
3. Ensure all connections are tight and secure.

motoma solar battery install

Tips:

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for each component.
Use weatherproof connectors and conduits for outdoor wiring. 
Double-check all connections before powering up the system.

5. Testing the System

Initial Power-Up

1. Switch on the inverter and monitor the startup sequence.
2. Check the system’s performance through the inverter’s display or monitoring app.

System Testing

1. Measure the output voltage and current from the solar panels.
2. Verify the battery charge levels and inverter output.
3. Ensure the system is operating within the specified parameters.

Safety Checks

1. Inspect all electrical connections for signs of overheating or damage.
2. Verify the grounding system and protective measures.

Conclusion

Installing a home solar energy system is a smart and sustainable decision. By following this guide, you can successfully set up your solar system and enjoy the numerous benefits it offers. Embrace the power of the sun and take a step towards a greener, more self-sufficient future.