Solar Conversion Kit: A portable device to power your house

A Solar conversion kit holds the potential to power your house. You can connect it to the inverter and use solar energy during a power cut. But why should you install the solar conversion kit? 

The most significant benefit is a low electricity bill. A normal inverter stores the charge from the grid; thus, consuming electricity which shows up in your electricity bill. 

The mentioned device with the solar panel, in connection to the inverter, forms a hybrid solar inverter. Unlike regular inverters that rely on electricity from the grid, a solar inverter does not rely on the grid only. As a result, your electricity bill will automatically drop substantially. 

Does this pique your interest? If so, we have more information. Dive in to explore a solar conversion kit like never before!

What are the components of a solar conversion kit?

The solar conversion kit has two parts: a PV panel and a solar converter. The PV panel, or photovoltaic panel or solar panel, is put on the rooftop to capture the sun’s energy. ‘Photo’ represents photons or light energy, and ‘voltaic’ refers to voltage. So solar cells or PV panels convert sunlight into electricity.

A Solar converter or Solar Charge Controller is the main component that converts your regular inverter to a solar inverter. It connects with solar panels as well as with batteries. It is responsible for regulating voltage and charging and discharging the battery. 

Advantages of Solar conversion kit

• Environmentally friendly: Instead of depending upon fossil-fuel-generated energy, the kit utilises the sun’s light. The use of renewable energy over non-renewable sources makes it eco-friendly.

• Reduction in electricity consumption from the grid: The kit converts solar light into electricity. Hence, it does not require power from the grid, which reduces electricity bills. 

• Acts as both types of inverter (regular and solar): It draws voltage from solar energy and stores it. The stored energy is used as and when required; thereby, the converter plays the role of a regular inverter too.

• Utilises a standard inverter: The standard inverter does not need to be replaced. The solar converter has a provision to connect with the inverter. Thus, utilising the money spent on the inverter.

• No reverse flow of current to solar panel: The solar charger will not send the current from the battery to the solar panel. Thus, saving the stored power.

Variety of solar conversion kit

Based on the type of technology used, the categories of solar conversion kits are as follows:

1. Maximum Power Point Tracking Technology Solar Charge Controller

MPPT kit holds an efficiency rate of 96% by utilising the solar panel’s maximum power. However, they cost more. The most reputable brand names manufacturing MPPT solar charge controllers are Smarten and UTL.

2. Pulse Width Modulation Solar Charge Controller

The PWM is an obsolete technology now. It was popular in the 90s because of its cost-effectiveness. However, it isn’t used nowadays because MPPT technology is way more advanced and widespread.

Don’t know the technical specifications of solar conversion kits? Never mind, we are here to elaborate. 

Detailed information on the three best solar conversion kits

1. Luminous Solar Conversion Kit Shine (Solar charge controller 2420)

Luminous Solar Retrofit employs the optimisation approach. For maximum utilisation of solar energy, this kit evaluates the usage battery and prefers solar charging overdrawing power from mains. Thus, saving money on the electricity bill and maximising the use of environmentally benign solar energy.

• It takes a maximum input power of 800W and provides a maximum output current of 20A along with the load control. 
• The nominal battery voltage will be 12/24 V without any adjustable regulation voltage. 
• Not so heavy, just a 1.2 kg weighted device with a warranty service.

2. Solar Management Unit by MICROTEK (SMU 3024)

It works best for minimal solar operations as it is a unique Indian device that can transform your standard inverter into a solar charge controller. 

Moreover, you can purchase the device with a one-year warranty which provides the benefits of both 12V and 24V inverters that the same SMU can power.

• Extended battery life and enhanced system efficiency are the goals of the charging mechanism. 
• Robust self-inspection and complete electronic security can stop improper wiring damage and system mistakes.
• During peak sunshine, the solar power system begins to charge the solar cell with the initial value of solar energy.
• Once fully charged, it operates the load from the sunlight, which automatically commences transferring the load to the power generator at dusk. 
• Efficiently reliable, long life span, balanced charge protection, automatic voltage selection, eco-friendly, weighing 1.4. kg, solar prioritisation, best speed, and high performance are key features of this solar conversion kit. 
• It can work in both automatic and manual modes. 

3. Solar Conversion Kit by Sukam
Sukam has launched one of India’s most advanced solar conversion kits, SolarCon. The device is not limited to India but is also available in Europe, America, and China. 

This Solar conversion kit may have a single or double battery and comes with a warranty. 

• The solar cells around 260 W can be connected using this 12-volt, 16-ampere solar conversion kit. 
• Generally, 250 watts is recommended, but you can opt for a high-capacity solar panel (200, 500, or above) in a 24 volts solar conversion kit. 
• SolarCon provides power up to 48/40 VA. 

Although it is pretty expensive, this kit holds the best features over other competitors. So, it’s absolutely worth the price.

Conclusion

A Solar conversion kit provides a solution to protect the environment, save electricity, and provide backup during power cuts. 

These are intelligent devices and have numerous benefits over traditional inverters. It’s the MPPT technology that’s most widespread nowadays. 

Since solar power is the inevitable future, it’s about time that you install a solar system at home too. And with the knowledge about solar conversion kits at hand, you can now make an informed decision. 

FAQs

1. What is a solar conversion kit?

A solar conversion kit comprises solar panels and a solar converter. It is basically a device that can even make your normal inverter work like a solar inverter; thereby, saving money. 

2. What are the two most popular technologies used in solar converters?

MPPT and PWM are the most popular technologies. The latter is obsolete; it’s MPPT that’s used nowadays.